EDUCATION NEWS

Cornell food science summer program a success
The Cornell University Institute of Food Science’s fledgling Summer Scholars Program ended with positive feedback from both students and faculty.

The institute offered the program for the first time this summer. The purpose of the program was to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to conduct independent research in food science. Exposing non-food science students to educational and career opportunities in food science was also an objective.

Thirteen undergraduate students from universities across the country spent 10 weeks conducting research with faculty members. In addition to research, students also had the opportunity to participate in discussion and information sessions, oral presentations, and day trips to food processing plants. The scholars also spent some time admiring the beauty of Niagra Falls and upstate New York.

Formal evaluations and informal feedback from students and faculty was positive. Most participants stated they would highly recommend the program to friends and students.

The institute is accepting applications for the 2001 summer program. For more information, contact Martin Wiedmann by phone at 607-254-2838, or e-mail at [email protected]. Information is also on the Web site at www.foodscience.cornell.edu/fsscholars.htm.

Virginia Polytechnic appoints new food science and technology head
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University appointed Susan S. Sumner head of the department of food science and technology.

A member of the faculty since 1996, Sumner earned a bachelor’s degree in food science from North Carolina State University, and master’s and doctoral degrees in food science from the University of Wisconsin.

Sumner replaces Cameron R. Hackney, who is now dean and director of the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences at West Virginia University. He will remain active in the department as an adjunct professor.

Penn State professor receives award for academic advising
Pennsylvania State University Associate Professor of Food Science Robert F.J. Roberts received the 2000 Excellence in Academic Advising Award.

The school’s College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society presented the award, which recognizes faculty for outstanding service to students in academic advising, career planning, and personal counseling.

Roberts is the undergraduate intake coordinator and program coordinator for the food science program, a position he’s held since 1991. He oversees the advising of more than 100 students, coordinates summer freshman testing and placement activities, conducts advising workshops for faculty, and works with students with extraordinary needs.

Advising the department’s Food Science College Bowl team and Food Science Club, as well as teaching three undergraduate classes are also some of Roberts’ responsibilities.

Roberts received a B.S. in animal science from the University of Vermont, a M.S. from South Dakota State University, and a doctorate in food science from the University of Minnesota.

University of Wisconsin supporter receives honorary recognition award
The University of Wisconsin College of Agricultural and Life Sciences awarded its highest honor, the Honorary Recognition Award, to Larry Borchert this year.

Borchert is a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences supporter and adjunct professor. He is retired from Oscar Mayer Foods, where he started while still an undergraduate. After earning his doctorate in meat science and food science from the college, he worked his way up in the company, eventually becoming director of central research and regulatory affairs.

While with Oscar Mayer Foods, Borchert maintained a strong relationship with the college and made student access to corporate resources a priority. Since retiring, he has volunteered in the teaching and research programs of the college’s meat science and muscle biology lab. He also teaches animal science classes and has developed a course in conjunction with Oscar Mayer Foods to provide advanced training to production supervisors.

The award recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions toward the development of agriculture, protection of natural resources, and improvement of rural living.

Clemson’s packaging science department chair retires
Robert F. Testin, a founding member of Clemson University’s packaging science department, will retire as a professor and chair of the department.

Testin, a member of the Packaging Education Forum’s Packaging Hall of Fame, has been part of the packaging industry for over 30 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Detroit and master’s and doctorate degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. Before joining the Clemson Faculty, he held positions at Reynolds Metals, Battelle Memorial Institute, and Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Although he’s retiring, Testin won’t sever his ties with the university completely. He will continue to serve as a consultant to the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences.

Ronald L. Thomas will replace Testin as chair of the packaging science department. Thomas is a professor of packaging science and food science who has focused much of his research on ultrafiltration technology. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Gardner-Webb College, a master’s degree in biochemistry from Clemson, and a doctorate in plant physiology from Clemson. He joined the faculty in 1980.