Karen Schmidt, Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry professor and chair of the food science undergraduate program, assumed the role of president of the American Dairy Science Association during the 2017 ADSA annual meeting at the end of June in Pittsburgh.

“It is an honor to serve the society in this capacity,” Schmidt says. “This year, I look forward to working with members to develop strategic plans and implement initiatives to achieve our Vision Statement: Science, Education and Service for the Global Dairy Sector.”

Schmidt received her bachelor’s degree in food science from Pennsylvania State University, and her master’s and doctorate degrees in food science from the University of Minnesota. She joined the faculty at the University of Georgia in 1990, and in 1994 she joined the faculty at K-State with a teaching and research appointment.

ADSA LEADER: Part of Karen Schmidt’s research centers on the quality of dairy foods and proteins.

She was the recipient of the Milk Industry Foundation Teaching Award in 2011. Her research area has focused on the quality and functionality of dairy foods, dairy proteins and functional foods. During her time at K-State, she has served as an adviser to the Food Science Club and Dairy Science Club and coached seven Food Science Quiz Bowl teams and eight Dairy Products Evaluation teams.

ADSA Foundation Scholar Award
Also during the ADSA annual meeting, Jayendra “Jay” Amamcharla, K-State ASI associate professor, was recognized as the 2017 recipient of the ADSA Foundation Scholar Award in Dairy Foods.

Amamcharla earned his bachelor’s degree from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, India; his master’s in dairy engineering from the National Dairy Research Institute, India; and his doctorate in agricultural and biosystems engineering from North Dakota State University. Subsequently, he worked as a postdoctoral research associate in the Dairy Science Department at South Dakota State University.

HONORED: Jay Amamcharla, K-State associate professor, received the Foundation Scholar Award in Dairy Foods.

In 2012, Amamcharla joined the faculty at K-State. He has focused his efforts on developing an effective and innovative research program in the area of dairy product processing. Amamcharla is an author or coauthor of 22 peer-reviewed publications in various internationally recognized scientific journals and 47 abstracts at international conferences. He is also active in undergraduate teaching and advising. 

The ADSA Foundation Scholar Award in Dairy Foods was created to recognize a young scholar from the dairy foods division and their potential in research and educational leadership and to identify critical issues affecting the future of the dairy industry. Special requirements include 10 years or less since earning a final academic degree, current active membership in ADSA, exemplary research or educational programs (instruction, Extension or industry), and potential for future leadership. 

ADSA is an international organization of educators, scientists and industry representatives who are committed to advancing the dairy industry and keenly aware of the vital role the dairy sciences play in fulfilling the economic, nutritive and health requirements of the world's population. It provides leadership in scientific and technical support to sustain and grow the global dairy industry through generation, dissemination and exchange of information and services.

The Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry department serves students, livestock producers and the animal and food industries through teaching, research and education. The K-State ASI department prepares students for careers in the animal and food industries. The curriculum includes the study of nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, meat science, food science with production, management and agribusiness skills. For more about the K-State’s ASI department, visit asi.ksu.edu.

Source: Kansas State University News Service