Miller Magazine Issue 137 May 2021

80 INTERVIEW MILLER / may 2021 Interview: Namık Kemal Parlak The success of Turkish professor Senay Simsek, who had been deemed worthy of many awards for her research on food chemistry, carbohydrates, and wheat quality at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in North Dakota, known as the bread- basket of the United States, has been crowned with a significant appointment. Dr. Simsek was appointed the Head of the Food Science Department of Purdue University in Indiana, one of the most prestigious universities in the USA. Announcing the appointment, "We are excited to welcome Dr. Simsek home to the department, where she earned her doc- torate. She has had an incredible career at North Dakota State University, rising to her current position of an endowed professor and earning an outstanding reputation as a researcher in food chemistry and carbohydrates. She brings proven experience as a leader, researcher, and teacher to the food science depart- ment and the college leadership team." said Prof. Karen Plaut, Purdue University's Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. Dr. Simsek is assuming the position of Head of the Department of Food Science at Purdue University, in a period where the vi- tal importance of food security and safety and grains in human nutrition is comprehended better with the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, she will bear a tremendous responsibility. It should be noted that Purdue University is one of the leading institutions in the USA and the world in terms of agriculture, agricultural in- dustry, and grain research programs. Significantly, the academic ranking of the Agricultural & Biological Engineering Department isnumber one in the USA.College to be led by Dr. Simsek, the Department of Food Science is also a unit that includes lectur- ers who have received the World Food Prize. As a 'land-grant university where scientific research is carried out for the public weal, Purdue is also famous for graduating Neil Armstrong, the first person who walked on the moon. RETURNING TO PURDUE AS THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT This appointment has a special meaning for Dr. Simsek. She is excited to return to the department where she obtained her Ph.D. degree. ""I am returning to my university as the head of the department. HDuring my education at Purdue, I took classes from at least half of the current faculty members. It is an honor Turkish professor Senay Simsek, who has been deemed worthy of many awards for her studies on food chemistry and wheat quality, was appointed as the Head of the Food Science Department of Purdue University, among the 'Big Ten School' in the USA. To lead one of the world's leading food science programs, Prof. Simsek shared her views to Miller Magazine about her vision and the future of agriculture and food. Turkish academician to lead Food Science Department of Purdue University Dr. Senay Simsek Head of the Food Science Department Purdue University