Purdue University College of Agriculture

AI chatbots can provide useful food safety analysis. However, according to an analysis conducted by Purdue University food scientists, their answers are inconsistently reliable. “Consumers increasingly turn to AI because it provides immediate and personalized answers,” said Yaohua “Betty” Feng, associate professor of food science at Purdue. “However, food safety decisions can have real health consequences, particularly for children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. My concern is that consumers may not recognize when an answer is incomplete or incorrect because AI can present its advice in a very confident and professional way.”

Studying abroad is more than an opportunity to visit a new place. “Studying abroad and immersing yourself in another culture is transformational and invaluable,” said Christie Shee, clinical assistant professor of natural resources and environmental science. “I want to be a mentor for that experience.” Shee and Christine Wilson, senior associate dean and director of academic programs, co-developed Purdue Agriculture’s new Iceland: Food, Farming and Sustainable Futures study abroad program. Together, they led the first group of 14 students during a 10-day trip in May 2026.

Ryan Folk, an emerging leader in the world of plant evolutionary biology, has joined Purdue’s Department of Botany and Plant Pathology as an associate professor. Folk was hired through Purdue’s Moveable Dream Hires program. The program is designed to attract high-performing, top-caliber faculty to the university. “We are delighted to welcome Ryan Folk to Purdue Agriculture and the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. His arrival reflects our continued commitment to bring exceptional faculty to Purdue who will advance high-impact science, mentor the next generation of students and scholars, and contribute meaningfully to our land-grant mission,” said Bernie Engel, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture.