Dr. Leon’s area of research focuses on developing effective interventions to parasitic and enteric viral pathogens, especially those involved in foodborne and waterborne disease, by understanding the immune response of vulnerable individuals and the epidemiology of vulnerable populations to these pathogens. His areas of interest include preventing outbreaks and illness from fresh produce by improving grower health and the microbial safety of fresh produce and worldwide. He is particularly interested in the US-Mexico border.