Purdue Food Science

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Purdue Food Science

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This is the official page for the Department of Food Science at Purdue University.

The Department of Food Science at Purdue University is committed to impacting the world food system and quality of life by educating and training undergraduate and graduate students for careers in industry, government, and academia. Our mission is to expand and transfer knowledge for continuous improvement of the safety, quality, value, and security of the world’s food supply through basic research and outreach programs. Our faculty, staff, and students are located on Purdue University’s main campus in the Philip E. Nelson Hall of Food Science, 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907. This building provides excellent research laboratories, as well as specialized facilities such as the sensory evaluation laboratory, pilot scale-manufacturing plant, student product development and innovation laboratory, and enology library for us to engage with the food and beverage industry and government partners.

10/30/2026

Members of Purdue Food Science gathered in the spirit of fall this week for our annual fall networking event. The labs went head-to-head in a friendly pumpkin carving competition, with the Deering Lab taking home the win for the third consecutive year!

It was a fun opportunity to step away from the daily routine, enjoy some seasonal festivities and spend time connecting with colleagues across the department.

10/29/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Ozan Ciftci, who was recently honored with the 2026 North Central Region Excellence in Agriculture Research Innovation Mid-Career Award!

Dr. Ciftci was recognized by agInnovation and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) for his "pioneering research in sustainable food processing has advanced technologies that enhance nutritional value, reduce waste, and create new opportunities for the agricultural bioeconomy."

With over $23 million in research funding, more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and two U.S. patents, Dr. Ciftci is advancing innovative food processing technologies that support a more sustainable food system.

Read more: https://www.aginnovation.info/2026-annual-meeting/2026-award-recipients

10/28/2026

PFAS have been shown to increase risks to immunity, reproductive health, developmental delays, cancer and other health issues, but little is known about how they affect gut health. Weicang Wang, assistant professor of food science at Purdue, found himself curious about the impact of PFAS on inflamma...

10/28/2026

The next generation of food and agriculture leaders was in the spotlight at the National FFA Convention! 🌽

Senior Academic Advisor Patrick Tiffany joined Purdue Agriculture to connect with FFA members and share opportunities to study food science at Purdue.

We were also proud to see two of our students representing Purdue in unique ways. Freshman Jenna Lawler was a candidate for National FFA Office, a rare accomplishment, and Ella Rhodes represented the college as an Ag Ambassador.

We’re proud to see our Boilermakers engaging with future agricultural leaders and sharing the many opportunities available at Purdue!

10/22/2026

From innovative research on nonconventional proteins to student achievements and new faculty members, there's a lot happening in Purdue Food Science this fall!

Catch up on the latest news in our fall department newsletter: https://view.deliver.purdue.edu/?vawpToken=DRGF435R7NGUFGFK4LYGQOY6PU.100224

10/20/2026

Congratulations to Food Science freshman Jenna Lawler on advancing to Phase 2 of the National FFA officer selection process! This accomplishment is a testament to Jenna's leadership and passion for agriculture. Way to go!

Read more: https://www.ffa.org/99th-national-ffa-convention-expo/22-candidates-move-forward-in-national-officer-selection/

Congratulations to Jenna Lawler on advancing to Phase 2 of the National Officer Candidate rounds!

10/20/2026

📣 Calling all Purdue students! The Purdue Soy Food Innovation Competition challenges students to turn creative ideas into innovative soy-based food products. From snacks and sweets to beverages and beyond, the possibilities are endless.

Want to learn more? Join us for an info session this Thursday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. in KRAN G002.

Registration deadline is November 20th! Don’t miss your chance to turn your idea into something delicious and win up to $20,000 from Indiana Soybean Alliance!

🔗 Learn more and register: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/foodsci/soy-food-innovation.html

10/15/2026

Dr. Haley Oliver-Jischke began her career in academia as an assistant professor in our department 16 years ago. Now, she is leaving her mark as the senior vice provost for academic and student success. Dr. Oliver-Jischke sat down with Provost Patrick Wolfe to talk about her start in food science, how Purdue is supporting students, and the university's new AI competency requirement.

Watch the interview here.

In episode 3 of the “5 Questions With the Provost” video series, Pr...

10/14/2026

Where in the world is Purdue Food Science?! 🌍

Dr. Yaohua Betty Feng and Kristin Whitney represented the department and the university at the FAO From Seeds to Foods exhibition in Rome last week. The future of food and agriculture was on display as they shared a virtual reality tour of the Purdue aquaponics greenhouse and examples of 3D-printed foods.

Thank you to the FAO for inviting Purdue to return to this global event celebrating innovation and the future of agrifood systems!

10/13/2026

Purdue Food Science was well represented at the International Dietary Fibre Conference 2026 (DF26) in Norwich, UK, last week!

Dr. Senay Simsek, department head of Food Science, and Dr. Bruce Hamaker, director of the Whistler Center, presented their research on dietary fiber, contributing to ongoing conversations and advancements in the field.

Dr. Simsek was also honored with the Harald Perten Prize in recognition of her contributions to cereal science and technology.

We are proud to see our faculty sharing their expertise with the global research community and advancing discovery that helps shape the future of food and nutrition.

Address

745 Agriculture Mall Drive
West Lafayette, IN
47907

Telephone

+17654948256

Website

http://www.ag.purdue.edu/foodsci

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