2021 Award Recipient
Dr. Bruce Hamaker is Distinguished Professor, Roy L. Whistler Chair in the Department of Food Science, and Director of the Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research. He is a Fellow of the Institute for Food Technologists (IFT) and has received numerous other honors in recognition of his scholarship and contributions to industry and society.
Since joining the faculty at Purdue in 1992, Dr. Hamaker has established himself as one of the leading scientists for the development and processing of food products and carbohydrate utilization to enhance human health and address global food security and sustainability. His record of research scholarship and devotion to students in the classroom and the laboratory are well known and we celebrate these accomplishments today.
In his role as Director for the Whistler Center, Dr. Hamaker guides training and short course programs in carbohydrate science and processing for industry giants. His outreach with these industry giants is leading improved health attributes in foods, making healthy foods more palatable, and increasing sustainability of food processing and production. Dr. Hamaker integrates his research discoveries with the lessons gained from outreach with food processors to address the needs of stakeholders in some of the most economically and food-challenged parts of the world in West Africa and Asia. Dr. Hamaker’s projects with USAID in West Africa have developed models of engagement with small-scale food entrepreneurs that connect them to both food technology and training as well as business management advice. Finally, Dr. Hamaker returns the knowledge gained from his industry and international engagement to the classroom at Purdue. During his time at Purdue, Dr. Hamaker has taught numerous courses where his research and engagement directly enhance student learning and experience.
“Dr. Hamaker has demonstrated research scholarship at the highest levels, and created mechanisms to share the knowledge he generates,” said Ken Foster, interim head of food science and professor of agricultural economics. “The impact of these efforts affects virtually everyone, including farmers, food entrepreneurs in low-income countries, large multinational food processors, and consumers.”
Please join me in celebrating this remarkable record of accomplishment and impact by awarding the 2021 Lowell S. Hardin Award for International Activities to Dr. Bruce Hamaker.