A Message from Dr. Awika

With significant investments in both facilities and personnel— including the launch of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation (GCGFI)—our department is entering an exciting new phase of growth. We are committed to becoming a globally recognized hub for collaborative research and education, where diverse talents come together to drive innovation and develop solutions to critical challenges across the food value chain.

One of our greatest strengths is the exceptional learning experience we offer—built around degree programs that lead to meaningful, diverse and fulfilling career paths. Each of our four undergraduate degrees includes multiple specialized tracks to align with a wide range of interests, from research and development to operations and business.

Our students thrive through immersive, hands-on learning experiences guided by expert faculty who are passionate about teaching and mentorship. Students also have access to a wide range of paid internship opportunities that provide valuable real-world experience and support professional development. Affordability remains a top priority in our department—with over $500,000 in scholarships awarded each year to help students achieve their academic goals.

Our faculty are recognized international leaders in impactful research, holding numerous patents and awards. With a shared mission, they are committed to advancing human health and well-being through food innovations and fostering sustainable grain and food systems that support both human and animal nutrition.

Home to the Kansas Value Added Foods Lab (KVAFL), our department serves as the hub for food entrepreneurship training and support in the state. We are also proud to be global leaders in industry engagement, offering a wide range of training and workforce development programs through the International Grains Program (IGP).

We invite you to explore our department and learn more about the opportunities we offer. Join us as we work to transform the way food impacts human health and wellbeing.

Joseph M. Awika

Department Head