Mckenzie Sampson

• University of Dubuque – BBA

Bio

Mckenzie Sampson, BBA (she/her) joined DFMCH in 2025. Sampson’s professional interests center on strengthening the connection between agricultural research and the rural communities who sustain these industries. Through her work in agricultural laboratories testing commodities for mycotoxins and studying particle size characteristics, she aims to generate practical insights that genuinely support farmers and producers.

Sampson’s achievements include refining analytical workflows and contributing data that helps communities make informed decisions about their crops and storage practices. Above all, she is committed to engaging with rural populations in a way that respects their traditions and ways of life, offering support and knowledge that enhance their work without requiring them to change it.

Research Interests

Sampson’s work centers on strengthening food safety systems through precise analytical testing in agricultural laboratories. She is particularly motivated by understanding how particle size distribution and sample characteristics influence mycotoxin detection and contributing data-driven insights that support safer global commodity chains. Sampson’s specific research interests include:

• Analysis of mycotoxin contamination in agricultural commodities, with a focus on improving detection accuracy across diverse crop types
• Development and validation of analytical methods to quantify mycotoxins at varying particle size ranges and micron levels
• Optimization of sample prep workflows and laboratory protocols for high throughput agricultural testing
• Exploration of environmental and storage factors influencing mycotoxin prevalence within grain and feed systems
• Collaboration on multidisciplinary projects aimed at enhancing food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance