Joseph Awika

International Food Security Award in Honor of W.K. Kellogg and Bor S. Luh
Joseph Awika is the recipient of the 2021 International Food Security Award in Honor of W.K. Kellogg and Bor S. Luh. Awika, a professor at Texas A&M since 2008, works to develop and transfer food science and technology knowledge to enhance the food security of developing economies. He uses a multidisciplinary approach that combines postharvest and food processing technologies with plant genetics and human nutrition research. This strategy helps to develop grain-based food product value chains that address food and nutrition security needs among vulnerable populations, with the primary crops of focus being sorghum and cowpea. His work has made a significant impact on the economies of numerous African countries, where the technologies have advanced high-quality, locally produced and processed foods with enhanced nutritional properties and broad consumer appeal. Awika’s research in cereal science has resulted in 71 peer-reviewed articles, 10 book chapters, and two books. Additionally, he is heavily engaged in reviewing articles for numerous journals, including Food Chemistry, Food Hydrocolloids, and Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. He currently serves as editor of the Journal of Cereal Science and was the recipient of the Fulbright Fellowship in 2018/2019.