Joseph Awika

Awika, Joseph

 

Department Head

Shellenberger 202
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-410-6161
785-532-7010 fax
awika@ksu.edu

Area(s) of Specialization

  • Plant derived secondary metabolite chemistry relevant to food quality, nutrition, and human health.
  • Bioactive compound (small molecules) interactions in food matrix.
  • Phenolic compound food-polymer interactions and consequences on food properties.
  • Biological effects of plant derived bioactive compounds.
  • International nutrition and food security.
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Bio Brief

Dr. Awika joined Kansas State University in 2024 as the Head of Grain Science & Industry Department and Director of Food Science Institute. He was previously on faculty at Texas A&M University (2008-2024), where he also served as Food Science & Technology Department Head (2021-2024). He also previously served on faculty at University of Missouri-Columbia (2005-2008) and Arkansas State University, Jonesboro (2004-2005). He obtained his Ph.D. from Texas A&M in 2003, and B.S. from Egerton University, Kenya in 1996.

Dr Awika currently serves as editor of Journal of Cereal Science. He is a 2018-2019 Fulbright Faculty Fellow, the recipient of 2021 Institute of Food Technologists International Food Security Award, and 2016 American Association of Cereal Chemists Teaching Excellence Award. He served on the 2023-2024 National Academies Committee exploring the link between soil health and human health.

Dr Awika has authored more than 100 peer reviewed publications and book chapters. His research on the chemistry and complex interactions of bioactive compounds with food macropolymers has led to multiple technologies adopted and widely used by the industry. He has led multiple collaborative projects aimed at advancing nutrition and food security with partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.