New WSU Food Science Chair Named

PULLMAN, Wash. – Alan McCurdy, head of the department of applied microbiology and food science at the University of Saskatchewan, will become chair of the food science and human nutrition department at Washington State University on May 1.

He will replace Don Lee, who is retiring after more than 20 years at WSU, nearly 10 as chair of the department.

“I am delighted that Alan has agreed to come back to Washington State University and lead the department,” said James Zuiches, dean of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics.”

McCurdy holds four degrees from WSU, including a doctorate in food science received in 1980. He has been on the University of Saskatchewan faculty since 1982 and department head since 1992.

“Al has been very successful in securing funding from the food industry and government,” said Lee. “That fits in very nicely with WSU’s direction of becoming more entrepreneurial.”

The department has 23 teaching, research and extension faculty. It prepares students to work in the food industry and as dietitians. It offers an American Dietetics Association accredited undergraduate program.

The department’s faculty conduct research in such fields as cereals science, grain utilization, enology, calcium metabolism, the relationship of cancer and diet and lead extension educational programs in food safety and nutrition and food processing.

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