Joseph Awika

Dr. Awika serves as Department Head of Grain & Food Science Department and Director of International Grains Program at Kansas State University. He was previously on faculty at Texas A&M University (2008-2024), where he also served as Food Science & Technology Department Head (2021-2024). He also previously served on faculty at University of Missouri-Columbia (2005-2008) and Arkansas State University, Jonesboro (2004-2005). He obtained his PhD from Texas A&M in 2003, and BS from Egerton University, Kenya.

Dr Awika currently serves as editor of Journal of Cereal Science. He is a 2018-2019 Fulbright Faculty Fellow, the recipient of 2021 Institute of Food Technologists International Food Security Award, and 2016 American Association of Cereal Chemists Teaching Excellence Award. He served on the 2023-2024 National Academies Committee exploring the link between soil health and human health.

Dr Awika has authored over 100 peer reviewed journal articles, and 13 books and book chapters, with more than 13,000 citations (Google Scholar). His research on the chemistry and complex interactions of bioactive compounds with food macropolymers has led to multiple licenses and technologies adopted and widely used by the industry. He has led multiple collaborative projects aimed at advancing nutrition and food security with partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.