Michael Sussman serves as the secretary of ISO TC 34/SC 16, “Horizontal methods for molecular biomarker analysis.” This subcommittee works to ensure that standardized biomolecular testing and laboratory criteria are reproducible and technically sound reducing potential disputes between exporting and importing nations and increasing predictability in world trade. Harmonized, easy to handle methods of analysis with defined patterns and known nomenclatures bring more customers to the market. SC 16/TC 34 has increased international stakeholders’ participation in standardizing biomarker testing, improved the quality and relevance of these standards and continues to increase transparency in international markets, particularly for genetically engineered products. Michael Sussman serves as a Senior Research Scientist for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program, Agricultural Analytics Division. He has been with AMS since 2003. He attended Tulane University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Connecticut receiving a doctoral degree in molecular biology and biochemistry under Dr. Peter Setlow in 1991. Dr. Sussman was previously a member of the US delegation to the Codex Alimentarius Committee for Methods Analysis and Sampling and the ISO US Technical Advisory Group for Technical Committee 34/ Working Group 7and currently serves as an expert for ISO TC 276 “Biotechnology.”.

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Agriculture