Dr. Opoku is a Research Plant Pathologist with the USDA-ARS Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois, where he leads an interdisciplinary program to identify risk factors and develop sustainable strategies to reduce mycotoxin contamination in corn. His research examines the complex interactions among Fusarium species, insect vectors, environmental conditions, and crop production systems. Dr. Opoku has advanced the understanding of insect-mediated mycotoxin contamination, developed practical and sustainable disease-management strategies, optimized pesticide use, and contributed to genetic and biological approaches for mycotoxin mitigation. He is currently helping to develop predictive models that assess mycotoxin contamination risk across the region. Widely recognized for his innovative, stakeholder-driven research, Dr. Opoku is committed to improving food safety and delivering meaningful economic benefits to farmers.