Ep. 195. Dr. Christopher Daubert: The Value of a Food Science Education

Jun 10, 2025

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Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D., serves as the President of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and as the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), as well as a Professor in the Division of Food Systems and Bioengineering. He joined Mizzou from North Carolina State University, where he served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Services; Director of the Food Rheology Laboratory; and system Co-Chair of Food, Biochemical, and Engineered Systems. His research explained the physical chemistry, molecular-level interactions, and functionality of food systems through an understanding of rheological behavior, while solving problems facing the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Dr. Daubert has received distinguished alumnus awards from Pennsylvania State University and Michigan State University. He is also a Fellow of IFT and previously served IFT as chair of the Food Engineering Division and a member-at-large of the Dogwood section. He holds a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from Penn State University, a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and Food Science from Michigan State University, and a Post-Doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Dr. Daubert [23:34] about:

The challenges and opportunities for attracting students to food science and other food-related academic programs
The value of an education in food science
The role the food industry plays in food science education
The complex food system challenges that today’s students—tomorrow's workforce—can help address
Dr. Daubert’s work at Mizzou in promoting food science education
How IFT helps prepare students to contribute to the global food community upon graduation.

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