Bhimanagouda Patil, Texas A&M University, USA

Dr. Bhimu Patil is University Regents Professor and Leonard Pike Inaugural University Professor, Texas A&M University. He is currently the Director of Vegetable Improvement Center, Interim Head of the Food Science and Technology Department and Director of USDA National Center of Excellence. He is internationally recognized for his expertise and research on ‘foods for health’ and his related educational programs. His systems-wide farm-to-table approaches include examining pre- and postharvest effects on bioactive compounds, isolating and characterizing these compounds from different fruits and vegetables, and understanding their roles in human health. Moreover, he has a strong working relationship with produce industry stakeholders. Dr. Patil has a distinguished record of achievements in education, including leading the development of three unique courses linking agriculture, human health, and sustainability. Texas A&M University has been a leader in this area, due in part to Dr. Patil’s seminal contributions in these first-of-their-kind multidisciplinary courses.