By Scout Nelson
Kasiviswanathan “Muthu” Muthukumarappan, Klingbeil Endowed Department Head of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University, has earned the International Food Security Award in honor of Bor S. Luh from the Institute of Food Technologists.
The award was presented during the IFT First conference, the world’s largest food science and innovation expo.
The award recognizes individuals or teams whose leadership brings meaningful change to the global food system and whose research advances food manufacturing to meet the nutritional and economic needs of people in emerging economies.
Joe Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, congratulated Muthukumarappan, noting his influence as a teacher, mentor, researcher, and leader.
“His contributions have helped shape the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering as well as our college,” Cassady said.
During nearly three decades at SDSU, Muthukumarappan has mentored more than 85 undergraduate and graduate students.
The selection committee highlighted his mentoring achievements, leadership of research projects totaling over $20 million, more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, and over 350 presentations around the world.
The Institute of Food Technologists praised his efforts to advance national and international food-processing standards and celebrated his role in the science of food community.
Muthukumarappan’s research focuses on adding value to crops important to South Dakota and beyond. He develops technology to refine all parts of plants to create high-value products, such as turning soybean stems and leaves into animal feed, forestry residue, biofuels, and other materials that reduce waste.
He has also served in leadership roles with the Food and Process Engineering Institute, including work on the Food Standards Council.
“Being recognized for this award is validation of my professional contribution to food science and education,” Muthu said. “Beyond my accomplishments, I am particularly proud of the students I have served and mentored throughout my career, and what they have achieved.”
This award highlights his lasting impact on food science, education, and the advancement of global food security.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education