Deana Jones, Center Director of the U.S. National Poultry Research Center (NPRC), has been instrumental in advancing the center’s impact and reputation, particularly in the area of technology transfer. Her leadership has strengthened NPRC’s culture, expanded its visibility, and ensured that scientific discoveries make their way to the people and industries that need them most. Thanks to Jones’s hands-on approach, technology transfer has become a central part of NPRC’s mission and daily operations.

Jones promotes open communication and active collaboration across the center. She regularly meets with scientists to learn about their findings and identify new technologies with potential for broader use. Because the center does not have dedicated on-site technology transfer staff, she advocates for NPRC researchers and works closely with the USDA Office of Technology Transfer to support agreements such as Material Transfer Research Agreements (MTRAs) and CRADAs. Her efforts help ensure that promising ideas move forward efficiently.

Her strong relationships with poultry integrators, feed companies, and biotechnology firms have opened the door to real-world sampling opportunities in commercial processing plants. These collaborations have helped NPRC scientists develop practical methods to reduce human pathogens in poultry products and have resulted in numerous MTRAs and exchange agreements. Jones has also supported companies interested in licensing NPRC technologies, helping secure patents and advancing commercialization discussions.

One notable success story under Jones’ leadership is the development of a non-destructive, real-time peanut moisture detection tool. NPRC scientists created a portable meter capable of quickly and accurately measuring moisture in unshelled peanuts at grading facilities. Jones guided the patenting and commercialization process, and through a CRADA, additional improvements were made before the technology was put to use in Georgia grading facilities. At the peanut industry’s request, the technology is now under final review for adoption in the USDA’s federal peanut grading program.

Jones’ leadership in technology transfer spans many areas, including stakeholder engagement, agreement development, commercialization, and accelerating the delivery of scientific solutions. The partnerships and agreements she has helped foster have strengthened the nation’s ability to detect and respond to threats such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, ultimately supporting producers, protecting consumers and bolstering the resilience of U.S. agriculture.