A Trusted Voice During the Pandemic

Distinguished Professor Donald Schaffner is an expert on microbial risk assessment, and he’s been thinking about the risks posed by microorganisms for more than 30 years. Schaffner, who started at Rutgers in 1989, serves as extension specialist in the Department of Food Science. About 20 years ago, he became very interested in studying the science of hand washing and quantifying microbial cross-contamination. He’s counseled the public on hygiene dos and don’ts as part of his outreach efforts as an extension specialist.

Given his expertise, it was not surprising that Schaffner became an invaluable resource during the COVID-19 outbreak, weighing in on conventional wisdom, risk, and everyday life during the pandemic.