Purdue University announces new food science department head

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture Karen Plaut has appointed Senay Simsek as the new head of the Department of Food Science.

Plaut said Simsek will officially start on July 1.

Simsek got her doctorate in food science from Purdue, Plaut said.

“She brings teaching and outreach experience,” she said, adding that Simsek has an outstanding reputation as a researcher in food chemistry and carbohydrates.

Simsek’s work will have an impact on the food science industry — and an important part of that work will be done at Purdue, Plaut said.

“We are looking toward her leadership,” Plaut said.

“This is a great opportunity to serve an institution that played a big role in my career,” said Simsek, adding that she owes much of her career success to what she learned at Purdue.