Jozef Kokini recipient of Nicholas Appert Award

Josef Kokini
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Jozef Kokini, Purdue University professor of food science, has been awarded the prestigious 2017 Nicholas Appert Award by the Institute of Food Technologists.

The Appert award is the IFT’s highest honor and recognizes extraordinary contributions in the field of food technology. The award includes a $5,000 honorarium and plaque.

Kokini’s career spans more than 40 years and includes research in rheology, materials science, numerical simulation and nanotechnology. He has published 240 refereed publications and book chapters leading to grants totaling more than $20 million.

Through his rigorous mentorship, research programs and courses, Kokini has inspired and educated generations of food technologists, including several doctoral professors who hold senior level faculty positions in the food and pharmaceutical industries. He also has established himself as one of the leading authorities on food texture and structure.

“His career is full of firsts and exemplifies all that is excellent and rigorous in food science research,” said Brian Farkas, food science professor and department head. “His influence, both scientific and educational, demonstrates an entire career of excellence in the areas of research, education and service.”

Kokini has held distinguished professor positions for 22 years at Purdue, the University of Illinois and Rutgers University. He currently holds the Scholle Endowed Chair in food science at Purdue, a position previously held by Phil Nelson, one of Purdue’s two World Food Prize winners and a previous recipient of the Nicholas Appert Award.

The award will be presented at the 2017 IFT Conference, to be held in June in Las Vegas. In winning the award, Kokini joins an exclusive list of award recipients. 

Writer: Cheri Frederick, 765-494-2406, cfrederick@purdue.edu

Source: Brian Farkas, 765-494-18256, bfarkas@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Shari Finnell, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, sfinnell@purdue.edu  
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