October 6, 2008

Industry leaders to share thoughts at food science symposium

Department head Suzanne Nielsen and former head Phil Nelson, the 2007 recipient of the World Food Prize – regarded as the "Nobel of Agriculture" – will moderate a discussion on current trends in food science.

The public is invited to attend and may reserve a seat by calling administrative director Laurie Swift at (765) 494-6303 or going online to https://www.foodsci.purdue.edu/25anniversary .

"I think this will be a great chance to hear from leaders in the food industry, to reflect on the past and focus on the future," Nielsen said. "It will help all of us be better positioned to address the future needs of the food industry."

Speakers include:

* Elaine Wedral, a Purdue alum with 36 years of food industry experience. Wedral is a fellow with the Institute of Food Technologists and recently retired as head of Nestle's American research and development branch.

* Mary Wagner, chief technology officer of Mars Botanical, a division of Mars Inc. She helps lead research and development of food products containing flavanols, naturally occurring plant compounds with potential health benefits. Wagner has 25 years of industry experience, having worked for companies like E&J Gallo Winery, Taco Bell, General Mills and Unilever.

* Neil Cracknell, president of several divisions within Sensient Technologies Corp., based in Indianapolis.

Writer: Douglas M. Main, (765) 496-2050, dmain@purdue.edu

Sources: Laurie Swift, (765) 494-6303, lswift@purdue.edu

Suzanne Nielsen, (765) 494-8256, nielsens@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

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