Our Network of FIHF Collaborators

Stephen Baenziger, PhD Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska
Board Chair

Stephen Baenziger, PhD

Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska
Former primary small grains breeder at the University of Nebraska and a world leader in wheat breeding, Dr. Baenziger’s laboratory successfully developed and released dozens of wheat and other crop cultivars and germplasm. The author of over 300 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Baenziger’s research focuses on developing improved breeding methods, with an emphasis on use of biotechnology. Stephen Baenziger served as advisor to multiple projects, including the Golden Rice initiative, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Rice Research Institute. 
David Baltensperger, PhD Professor and Head of Texas A&M University’s Soil and Crop Sciences Department
Board Treasurer

David Baltensperger, PhD

Professor and Head of Texas A&M University’s Soil and Crop Sciences Department
Dr. David Baltensperger leads a multifaceted program encompassing research, teaching, and extension. The department, known for its breadth and excellence, conducts internationally acclaimed research ranging from genetics to crop science. Dr. Baltensperger assumed his current role in 2006, after roles in plant breeding at the University of Florida and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His cultivars are grown on over 15 million acres of cropland. Dr. Baltensperger also held key advisory roles, including to the Secretary of Agriculture, and President of influential science and agriculture organizations such as the Crop Science Society of America.
Steven Greenspan, PhD Former Distinguished Member of Technical Staff AT&T/Bell Labs and Vice Pres. Research, CA Technologies
Board Secretary

Steven Greenspan, PhD

Former Distinguished Member of Technical Staff AT&T/Bell Labs and Vice Pres. Research, CA Technologies
An Information and Communications Technology researcher and innovator, Dr. Greenspan’s eighty US patents include the first description of 2-factor, 2-device authentication and authorization. This work has aided secure access to web services around the world, and showcased the value of keeping humans-in-the-loop in machine-based decision-making. Previously, a Senior Vice President of Strategic Research at CA Technologies, and a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories, he serves on the A4BGU/Philadelphia Academic Bridge advisory board, and on the steering committee for Community Climate Shift, a multi-city consortium of community-based organizations and decarbonization analysts. 
Tyson Narjes Fifth Generation Farmer and member, Nebraska Wheat Board of Directors
Board Member

Tyson Narjes

Fifth Generation Farmer and member, Nebraska Wheat Board of Directors
A fifth-generation farmer and rancher, Tyson Narjes operates a diversified agricultural operation consisting of hard red winter wheat, hard white winter wheat, corn, proso millet and annual forages in Cheyenne County, Nebraska with his brother, Ryan and his mother, Susan. Tyson, his wife Regina, and their three children, Isaac, Clara, and Reid also run a commercial cow-calf and yearling beef operation. Beyond the fields, Tyson’s commitment extends to community leadership, actively participating in the Cheyenne County Farm Bureau, Cheyenne County Extension and Sidney High School Career Pathways. Tyson is broadly recognized for his dedication to delivering the next generation a prosperous farm and healthy farming community in the heart of Nebraska.
Brandon Neuschafer Partner, Arnold & Porter Board Member
Board Member

Brandon Neuschafer

Partner, Arnold & Porter
Brandon Neuschafer is a lawyer whose practice draws on his diverse experience advising clients on operational, regulatory and environmental issues pertaining to the development, production, sale, and distribution of food, agricultural, and chemical products. He represents clients before a wide range of regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and state agencies. Brandon is also involved in multiple food and agriculture advocacy organizations.
Foundation President (non-voting Board Member) Rod Wallace Business Strategist and Economist, formerly with Cargill, Ardent Mills
Foundation President (non-voting Board Member)

Rod Wallace

Business Strategist and Economist, formerly with Cargill, Ardent Mills
With a background combining international business, economics, and technology, Dr. Wallace leads teams integrating diverse expertise into a coherent purpose that benefits society while delivering stakeholder value. Wallace received his PhD from the University of Michigan and was a Fulbright Fellow researcher for the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. He then worked in corporate strategy and frontline business leadership with global food company Cargill. In the US and Europe, Wallace led multi-organization, billion-dollar business initiatives in flour milling, oil refining, cocoa and chocolate, pharmaceutical distribution, and other industries. Wallace co-developed the concept for the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food, based on ideas introduced in his TEDx presentation. He believes that pragmatic innovation is critical for society to flourish in this generation and the next.
Board Member Juergen Keil Strategic Agri-Food Advisor (ex Cargill)
Board Member

Juergen Keil

Strategic Agri-Food Advisor (ex Cargill)
Juergen is a strategic Agri-Food Advisor and former Senior Executive at Cargill who provides valuable guidance and advise to help Startups, Venture Capital Funds and Foundation to maximize their potential and increase their chances of success. He is also a Board Member of FIHF and a Startup Mentor for Start Life, a leading Ag-Food Accelerator. During his Cargill career, he has worked across various Ag and Food value Chains, including Cocoa & Chocolate, Edible oils, Oilseeds processing, Biofuels, Starch & Sweeteners, Texturizers and Beverage Ingredients, making significant contributions to multiple Businesses. He brings 33 years of successful career experience and a strong leadership record in Supply Chain, Sustainability, Commercial, Commodity Risk and General Management.

Commercial Team and Advisors

Principal, Rick Alcantara Consulting

President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philadelphia

David Henkin

Former Chief Innovation Officer,
Vertex Inc.

James Barnes

Founder of JB Innovation; Former Chief Relationship Officer Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program

Gerry Lantz, MA

Founder of Stories that Work; honed marketing tools at three of top five global ad agencies

Anthony Holland

Vice President of SAP Partner Solutions and Sales Engineering, Synactive Inc.

Jenny Bartoy

Literary Editor

Vibhat Nair, PhD

CEO nonprofit Magnolia Impact Solutions, and former MD JP M Chase

Rod Wallace, PhD

Business Strategist and Economist, formerly with Cargill, Ardent Mills

David Holding, PhD

Professor and Associate Department Head, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska Lincoln

HT Fish, PhD

Former President Cargill Health and Food Technologies Business, and Managing Director Cargill Strategy and Business Development 

Royce Schaneman

Executive Director,
Nebraska Wheat

Mike Moran

Executive Director,
Wheat Marketing Center

Jayne Bock, PhD

Technical Director,
Wheat Marketing Center

Fernando Arias, MBA

Former Commercial VP, NA at Roquette and CEO of leading food companies.

Nebraska Extension

University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Payam Vahmani, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of California Davis

Gulnihal Ozbay, PhD

Associate Dean of Cooperative Extension & Applied Research and Professor of Natural Resources, Delaware State University

Karen Holland, EdD

CAST Student Services and Scholarships Coordinator, Delaware State University

Del Craig

Strategy Director, Agricultural Scaling, Bridgestone Americas; Farmer

Julie Garden-Robinson,
PhD, RD, LRD

Professor and Extension Specialist North Dakota State University

Omarr Bashir,

President and Owner,
Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN)

Science Advisory Committee

Stephen Baenziger, PhD Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska
Board Chair

Stephen Baenziger, PhD

Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska
Former primary small grains breeder at the University of Nebraska and a world leader in wheat breeding, Dr. Baenziger’s laboratory successfully developed and released dozens of wheat and other crop cultivars and germplasm. The author of over 300 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Baenziger’s research focuses on developing improved breeding methods, with an emphasis on use of biotechnology. Stephen Baenziger served as advisor to multiple projects, including the Golden Rice initiative, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Rice Research Institute. 
Andrew Benson, PhD Food for Health Presidential Chair and Director, Nebraska Food for Health Center WW Marshall Distinguished Professor of Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Andrew Benson, PhD

Food for Health Presidential Chair and Director, Nebraska Food for Health Center WW Marshall Distinguished Professor of Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Dr. Benson’s research group studies the complex sets of host and dietary factors that influence composition and function of the gut microbiome. His group is spearheading the See All
Barbara Schneeman, PhD Emeritus Professor, University of California, Davis Former Director of the Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, US FDA

Barbara Schneeman, PhD

Emeritus Professor, University of California, Davis Former Director of the Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, US FDA
Dr. Schneeman is recognized for her work on dietary fiber, gastro-intestinal function, development and use of food-based dietary guidelines, and the connection between science and policy development. She is a former Director of the Office of Nutrition, See All
Peter Shewry, PhD Former Assistant Director, Rothamsted Research

Peter Shewry, PhD

Former Assistant Director, Rothamsted Research
Peter Shewry led Rothamsted Research Designing Future Wheat lab, including developing high-fiber germplasm. A globally noted plant geneticist and winner of the Thomas Burr Osborne Medal for insights into cereal chemistry, Dr. Shewry is dedicated to improving grain quality for processing and health, based on understanding See All
William Wilson, PhD University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University

William Wilson, PhD

University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University
As a sustained, high-quality, balanced, and impactful contributor, Dr. Wilson is named a University Distinguished Professor, the highest honor awarded North Dakota State University faculty. William Wilson believes that the adoption of new technologies and public-private partnerships in technology will increase See All
Jennifer Yates, PhD Wheat Breeding Lead, Bayer Crop Science

Jennifer Yates, PhD

Wheat Breeding Lead, Bayer Crop Science
Dr. Yates leads line breeding efforts for wheat in key market classes in North America. With more than 15 years of experience in commercial wheat breeding, Jennifer Yates is recognized for partnering with stakeholders in commercial and other functions to enable delivery of profitable, innovative solutions for wheat growers See All
Margaret R. Bath, PhD Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees and Former Chief Technology Officer, Kellogg Company

Margaret R. Bath, PhD

Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees and Former Chief Technology Officer, Kellogg Company
Dr. Bath brings a strong background in research and development (R&D) and quality systems in food. She spent 17 years with the Kellogg Company, including over twelve years as Chief Technology Officer. During her tenure, global staff increased almost 50% to See All
Jan Delcour, PhD Professor Emeritus, KU Leuven, and Chairman of the Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe)

Jan Delcour, PhD

Professor Emeritus, KU Leuven, and Chairman of the Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe)
Dr. Delcour, an ISI highly cited author, focuses on generating and communicating basic insights into starch, non-starch poly-saccharide, and protein constituents of cereals, as well as on plant and microbial enzyme systems converting such constituents See All
Bin Zhao, PhD Senior Principal Scientist, Grupo Bimbo

Bin Zhao, PhD

Senior Principal Scientist, Grupo Bimbo
Dr. Zhao’s professional perspective covers many aspects of food science and cereal chemistry. As the Ingredient Technology Lead (Senior Principal Scientist) at Bimbo Bakeries North America, Dr. Zhao oversees development of new ingredients, processes, and technologies for commercially delivered baked goods. He is knowledgeable about See All
Ed Souza, PhD Research Consultant, Former Global Director of Wheat Breeding, Bayer, and Director of a USDA Wheat Quality Laboratory

Ed Souza, PhD

Research Consultant, Former Global Director of Wheat Breeding, Bayer, and Director of a USDA Wheat Quality Laboratory
Dr. Ed Souza, a distinguished plant breeder and wheat quality scientist, is a research consultant to the agri-food industry and an adjunct professor at Kansas State University. Committed to rural communities and agricultural research, he mentors diverse young professionals See All

Science Leadership Team

Katherine Frels, PhD

Science Team Lead, Plant Breeding Lead Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska

Maria Itria Ibba, PhD

Science Team Co-Lead, End-use-Quality Lead Head of the Wheat Chemistry and Quality Lab at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Kimberly Garland-Campbell, PhD

Plant Breeding Team Co-Lead USDA and Adjunct Faculty, Washington State University

Devin Rose, PhD

Nutrition / Health Team Lead Professor, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Sean Finnie, PhD

End-Use-Quality Team Co-Lead Director, USDA Western Wheat Quality Laboratory

Conrad Lyford, PhD

Socioeconomics Team Lead Professor, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University

Rod Wallace, PhD

Socioeconomics Team Lead President, Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food

Science Team

Claudia Carter, MS

Executive Director, California Wheat Commission

Brett Carver, PhD

Wheat Genetics Chair in Agriculture and Eminent Faculty,
Oklahoma State University

Jianli Chen, PhD

Professor, Aberdeen Research Center, University of Idaho

Robert Zemetra, PhD

Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics,
Oregon State University

Randy Fortenberry, PhD

Professor, Thomas B. Mick Endowed Chair, Washington State University

Michael Pumphrey, PhD

O.A. Vogel Endowed Chair of Spring Wheat Breeding and Genetics,
Washington State University

Brian Walker

Former Director Technical Sales, Miller Milling, Ardent Mills, Others

Jochum Wiersma, PhD

Small Grains Extension Professor,
University of Minnesota

Yong-Cheng Shi, PhD

Professor, Grain Science and Industry,
Kansas State University

Aaron Clanton, MBA

Bakers National Education Foundation Instructor,
Kansas State University

Brittany Hazard, PhD

Research Leader,
Quadram Institute Bioscience (UK)

Elisa Karkle, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Kansas State University

Jorge Dubcovsky, PhD

Distinguished Professor,
University of California, Davis

Alison Lovegrove, PhD

Section Head Cereal Improvement: Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research

Simon Griffiths, PhD

Group Leader,
Designing Future Wheat

Corrine K Hanson, PhD, RD, LMNT, FAND

Professor,
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Senay Simsek, PhD

Professor and Head of the Department of
Food Science at Purdue University

Clay Sneller, PhD

Professor,
The Ohio State University

Guorong Zhang, PhD

Professor,
Kansas State University

Mark Sorrells, PhD

Professor,
Cornell University

Alecia Kiszonas, PhD

Research Biologist, USDA Western Wheat Quality Lab

Mohsen Mohammadi, PhD

Associate Professor,
Purdue University

Rachel Schendel, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Kentucky

Margaret Krause, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Oregon State University

Noah DeWitt, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Louisiana State University

Jessica Rutkoski, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Illinois

Sunish Sehgal, PhD

Associate Professor,
South Dakota State University

Gideon Marais, PhD

Professor,
North Dakota State University

Karl Glover, PhD

Professor,
South Dakota State University

Vijay Tiwari, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Maryland

Jason Cook, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Montana State University

Jim Anderson, PhD

Professor,
University of Minnesota

Amir Ibrahim, PhD

Regents Professor,
 Texas A&M University

Jackie Rudd, PhD

Regents Fellow,
Texas A&M University

Shuyu Liu, PhD

Professor,
Texas A&M University

Jayson Lusk, PhD

Vice President and Dean, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University

George Annor, PhD

Assistant Professor, General Mills Endowed Professor in Cereal Chemistry and Technology, University of MInnesota

Joanne Slavin, PhD

Professor of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota

Therese Narzikul, PhD

Professor of Practice in Systems Thinking and Leadership, Villanova University

Marla Barnett, PhD

Senior Wheat Breeder,  Limagrain Cereal Seeds

Edward Deehan, PhD, RD

Assistant Professor,
University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Andrew Ross, PhD

Professor,
Oregon State University

Nikayla Strauss, PhD

Product Development Specialist,
Bayer U.S.– Crop Science

Mariah Jackson, PhD, RDN, LMNT

Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Xiaofei Zhang, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of California, Davis

Janet Chrzan, PhD

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Nutrition, University of Pennsylvania

Jonathan Deutsch, PhD

Professor and Director,
Drexel University Food Lab

Daniel Anderson, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine University of Nebraska Medical Center

Cyrus Desouza MBBS, FACE, FACP

Professor and Chief, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism University of Nebraska Medical Center

Matthew Lee, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Stephen Baenziger, PhD Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska
Board Chair

Stephen Baenziger, PhD

Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska
Former primary small grains breeder at the University of Nebraska and a world leader in wheat breeding, Dr. Baenziger’s laboratory successfully developed and released dozens of wheat and other crop cultivars and germplasm. The author of over 300 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Baenziger’s research focuses on developing improved breeding methods, with an emphasis on use of biotechnology. Stephen Baenziger served as advisor to multiple projects, including the Golden Rice initiative, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Rice Research Institute. 
David Baltensperger, PhD Professor and Head of Texas A&M University’s Soil and Crop Sciences Department
Board Treasurer

David Baltensperger, PhD

Professor and Head of Texas A&M University’s Soil and Crop Sciences Department
Dr. David Baltensperger leads a multifaceted program encompassing research, teaching, and extension. The department, known for its breadth and excellence, conducts internationally acclaimed research ranging from genetics to crop science. Dr. Baltensperger assumed his current role in 2006, after roles in plant breeding at the University of Florida and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His cultivars are grown on over 15 million acres of cropland. Dr. Baltensperger also held key advisory roles, including to the Secretary of Agriculture, and President of influential science and agriculture organizations such as the Crop Science Society of America.
Steven Greenspan, PhD Former Distinguished Member of Technical Staff AT&T/Bell Labs and Vice Pres. Research, CA Technologies
Board Secretary

Steven Greenspan, PhD

Former Distinguished Member of Technical Staff AT&T/Bell Labs and Vice Pres. Research, CA Technologies
An Information and Communications Technology researcher and innovator, Dr. Greenspan’s eighty US patents include the first description of 2-factor, 2-device authentication and authorization. This work has aided secure access to web services around the world, and showcased the value of keeping humans-in-the-loop in machine-based decision-making. Previously, a Senior Vice President of Strategic Research at CA Technologies, and a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories, he serves on the A4BGU/Philadelphia Academic Bridge advisory board, and on the steering committee for Community Climate Shift, a multi-city consortium of community-based organizations and decarbonization analysts. 
Tyson Narjes Fifth Generation Farmer and member, Nebraska Wheat Board of Directors
Board Member

Tyson Narjes

Fifth Generation Farmer and member, Nebraska Wheat Board of Directors
A fifth-generation farmer and rancher, Tyson Narjes operates a diversified agricultural operation consisting of hard red winter wheat, hard white winter wheat, corn, proso millet and annual forages in Cheyenne County, Nebraska with his brother, Ryan and his mother, Susan. Tyson, his wife Regina, and their three children, Isaac, Clara, and Reid also run a commercial cow-calf and yearling beef operation. Beyond the fields, Tyson’s commitment extends to community leadership, actively participating in the Cheyenne County Farm Bureau, Cheyenne County Extension and Sidney High School Career Pathways. Tyson is broadly recognized for his dedication to delivering the next generation a prosperous farm and healthy farming community in the heart of Nebraska.
Brandon Neuschafer Partner, Arnold & Porter Board Member
Board Member

Brandon Neuschafer

Partner, Arnold & Porter
Brandon Neuschafer is a lawyer whose practice draws on his diverse experience advising clients on operational, regulatory and environmental issues pertaining to the development, production, sale, and distribution of food, agricultural, and chemical products. He represents clients before a wide range of regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and state agencies. Brandon is also involved in multiple food and agriculture advocacy organizations.
Foundation President (non-voting Board Member) Rod Wallace Business Strategist and Economist, formerly with Cargill, Ardent Mills
Foundation President (non-voting Board Member)

Rod Wallace

Business Strategist and Economist, formerly with Cargill, Ardent Mills
With a background combining international business, economics, and technology, Dr. Wallace leads teams integrating diverse expertise into a coherent purpose that benefits society while delivering stakeholder value. Wallace received his PhD from the University of Michigan and was a Fulbright Fellow researcher for the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. He then worked in corporate strategy and frontline business leadership with global food company Cargill. In the US and Europe, Wallace led multi-organization, billion-dollar business initiatives in flour milling, oil refining, cocoa and chocolate, pharmaceutical distribution, and other industries. Wallace co-developed the concept for the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food, based on ideas introduced in his TEDx presentation. He believes that pragmatic innovation is critical for society to flourish in this generation and the next.
Board Member Juergen Keil Strategic Agri-Food Advisor (ex Cargill)
Board Member

Juergen Keil

Strategic Agri-Food Advisor (ex Cargill)
Juergen is a strategic Agri-Food Advisor and former Senior Executive at Cargill who provides valuable guidance and advise to help Startups, Venture Capital Funds and Foundation to maximize their potential and increase their chances of success. He is also a Board Member of FIHF and a Startup Mentor for Start Life, a leading Ag-Food Accelerator. During his Cargill career, he has worked across various Ag and Food value Chains, including Cocoa & Chocolate, Edible oils, Oilseeds processing, Biofuels, Starch & Sweeteners, Texturizers and Beverage Ingredients, making significant contributions to multiple Businesses. He brings 33 years of successful career experience and a strong leadership record in Supply Chain, Sustainability, Commercial, Commodity Risk and General Management.

Principal, Rick Alcantara Consulting

President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philadelphia

David Henkin

Former Chief Innovation Officer,
Vertex Inc.

James Barnes

Founder of JB Innovation; Former Chief Relationship Officer Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program

Gerry Lantz, MA

Founder of Stories that Work; honed marketing tools at three of top five global ad agencies

Anthony Holland

Vice President of SAP Partner Solutions and Sales Engineering, Synactive Inc.

Jenny Bartoy

Literary Editor

Vibhat Nair, PhD

CEO nonprofit Magnolia Impact Solutions, and former MD JP M Chase

Rod Wallace, PhD

Business Strategist and Economist, formerly with Cargill, Ardent Mills

David Holding, PhD

Professor and Associate Department Head, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska Lincoln

HT Fish, PhD

Former President Cargill Health and Food Technologies Business, and Managing Director Cargill Strategy and Business Development 

Royce Schaneman

Executive Director,
Nebraska Wheat

Mike Moran

Executive Director,
Wheat Marketing Center

Jayne Bock, PhD

Technical Director,
Wheat Marketing Center

Fernando Arias, MBA

Former Commercial VP, NA at Roquette and CEO of leading food companies.

Nebraska Extension

University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Payam Vahmani, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of California Davis

Gulnihal Ozbay, PhD

Associate Dean of Cooperative Extension & Applied Research and Professor of Natural Resources, Delaware State University

Karen Holland, EdD

CAST Student Services and Scholarships Coordinator, Delaware State University

Del Craig

Strategy Director, Agricultural Scaling, Bridgestone Americas; Farmer

Julie Garden-Robinson,
PhD, RD, LRD

Professor and Extension Specialist North Dakota State University

Omarr Bashir,

President and Owner,
Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN)
Stephen Baenziger, PhD Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska
Board Chair

Stephen Baenziger, PhD

Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska
Former primary small grains breeder at the University of Nebraska and a world leader in wheat breeding, Dr. Baenziger’s laboratory successfully developed and released dozens of wheat and other crop cultivars and germplasm. The author of over 300 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Baenziger’s research focuses on developing improved breeding methods, with an emphasis on use of biotechnology. Stephen Baenziger served as advisor to multiple projects, including the Golden Rice initiative, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Rice Research Institute. 
Andrew Benson, PhD Food for Health Presidential Chair and Director, Nebraska Food for Health Center WW Marshall Distinguished Professor of Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Andrew Benson, PhD

Food for Health Presidential Chair and Director, Nebraska Food for Health Center WW Marshall Distinguished Professor of Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Dr. Benson’s research group studies the complex sets of host and dietary factors that influence composition and function of the gut microbiome. His group is spearheading the See All
Barbara Schneeman, PhD Emeritus Professor, University of California, Davis Former Director of the Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, US FDA

Barbara Schneeman, PhD

Emeritus Professor, University of California, Davis Former Director of the Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, US FDA
Dr. Schneeman is recognized for her work on dietary fiber, gastro-intestinal function, development and use of food-based dietary guidelines, and the connection between science and policy development. She is a former Director of the Office of Nutrition, See All
Peter Shewry, PhD Former Assistant Director, Rothamsted Research

Peter Shewry, PhD

Former Assistant Director, Rothamsted Research
Peter Shewry led Rothamsted Research Designing Future Wheat lab, including developing high-fiber germplasm. A globally noted plant geneticist and winner of the Thomas Burr Osborne Medal for insights into cereal chemistry, Dr. Shewry is dedicated to improving grain quality for processing and health, based on understanding See All
William Wilson, PhD University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University

William Wilson, PhD

University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University
As a sustained, high-quality, balanced, and impactful contributor, Dr. Wilson is named a University Distinguished Professor, the highest honor awarded North Dakota State University faculty. William Wilson believes that the adoption of new technologies and public-private partnerships in technology will increase See All
Jennifer Yates, PhD Wheat Breeding Lead, Bayer Crop Science

Jennifer Yates, PhD

Wheat Breeding Lead, Bayer Crop Science
Dr. Yates leads line breeding efforts for wheat in key market classes in North America. With more than 15 years of experience in commercial wheat breeding, Jennifer Yates is recognized for partnering with stakeholders in commercial and other functions to enable delivery of profitable, innovative solutions for wheat growers See All
Margaret R. Bath, PhD Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees and Former Chief Technology Officer, Kellogg Company

Margaret R. Bath, PhD

Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees and Former Chief Technology Officer, Kellogg Company
Dr. Bath brings a strong background in research and development (R&D) and quality systems in food. She spent 17 years with the Kellogg Company, including over twelve years as Chief Technology Officer. During her tenure, global staff increased almost 50% to See All
Jan Delcour, PhD Professor Emeritus, KU Leuven, and Chairman of the Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe)

Jan Delcour, PhD

Professor Emeritus, KU Leuven, and Chairman of the Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe)
Dr. Delcour, an ISI highly cited author, focuses on generating and communicating basic insights into starch, non-starch poly-saccharide, and protein constituents of cereals, as well as on plant and microbial enzyme systems converting such constituents See All
Bin Zhao, PhD Senior Principal Scientist, Grupo Bimbo

Bin Zhao, PhD

Senior Principal Scientist, Grupo Bimbo
Dr. Zhao’s professional perspective covers many aspects of food science and cereal chemistry. As the Ingredient Technology Lead (Senior Principal Scientist) at Bimbo Bakeries North America, Dr. Zhao oversees development of new ingredients, processes, and technologies for commercially delivered baked goods. He is knowledgeable about See All
Ed Souza, PhD Research Consultant, Former Global Director of Wheat Breeding, Bayer, and Director of a USDA Wheat Quality Laboratory

Ed Souza, PhD

Research Consultant, Former Global Director of Wheat Breeding, Bayer, and Director of a USDA Wheat Quality Laboratory
Dr. Ed Souza, a distinguished plant breeder and wheat quality scientist, is a research consultant to the agri-food industry and an adjunct professor at Kansas State University. Committed to rural communities and agricultural research, he mentors diverse young professionals See All

Katherine Frels, PhD

Science Team Lead, Plant Breeding Lead Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska

Maria Itria Ibba, PhD

Science Team Co-Lead, End-use-Quality Lead Head of the Wheat Chemistry and Quality Lab at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Kimberly Garland-Campbell, PhD

Plant Breeding Team Co-Lead USDA and Adjunct Faculty, Washington State University

Devin Rose, PhD

Nutrition / Health Team Lead Professor, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Sean Finnie, PhD

End-Use-Quality Team Co-Lead Director, USDA Western Wheat Quality Laboratory

Conrad Lyford, PhD

Socioeconomics Team Lead Professor, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University

Rod Wallace, PhD

Socioeconomics Team Lead President, Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food

Claudia Carter, MS

Executive Director, California Wheat Commission

Brett Carver, PhD

Wheat Genetics Chair in Agriculture and Eminent Faculty,
Oklahoma State University

Jianli Chen, PhD

Professor, Aberdeen Research Center, University of Idaho

Robert Zemetra, PhD

Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics,
Oregon State University

Randy Fortenberry, PhD

Professor, Thomas B. Mick Endowed Chair, Washington State University

Michael Pumphrey, PhD

O.A. Vogel Endowed Chair of Spring Wheat Breeding and Genetics,
Washington State University

Brian Walker

Former Director Technical Sales, Miller Milling, Ardent Mills, Others

Jochum Wiersma, PhD

Small Grains Extension Professor,
University of Minnesota

Yong-Cheng Shi, PhD

Professor, Grain Science and Industry,
Kansas State University

Aaron Clanton, MBA

Bakers National Education Foundation Instructor,
Kansas State University

Brittany Hazard, PhD

Research Leader,
Quadram Institute Bioscience (UK)

Elisa Karkle, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Kansas State University

Jorge Dubcovsky, PhD

Distinguished Professor,
University of California, Davis

Alison Lovegrove, PhD

Section Head Cereal Improvement: Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research

Simon Griffiths, PhD

Group Leader,
Designing Future Wheat

Corrine K Hanson, PhD, RD, LMNT, FAND

Professor,
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Senay Simsek, PhD

Professor and Head of the Department of
Food Science at Purdue University

Clay Sneller, PhD

Professor,
The Ohio State University

Guorong Zhang, PhD

Professor,
Kansas State University

Mark Sorrells, PhD

Professor,
Cornell University

Alecia Kiszonas, PhD

Research Biologist, USDA Western Wheat Quality Lab

Mohsen Mohammadi, PhD

Associate Professor,
Purdue University

Rachel Schendel, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Kentucky

Margaret Krause, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Oregon State University

Noah DeWitt, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Louisiana State University

Jessica Rutkoski, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Illinois

Sunish Sehgal, PhD

Associate Professor,
South Dakota State University

Gideon Marais, PhD

Professor,
North Dakota State University

Karl Glover, PhD

Professor,
South Dakota State University

Vijay Tiwari, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Maryland

Jason Cook, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Montana State University

Jim Anderson, PhD

Professor,
University of Minnesota

Amir Ibrahim, PhD

Regents Professor,
 Texas A&M University

Jackie Rudd, PhD

Regents Fellow,
Texas A&M University

Shuyu Liu, PhD

Professor,
Texas A&M University

Jayson Lusk, PhD

Vice President and Dean, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University

George Annor, PhD

Assistant Professor, General Mills Endowed Professor in Cereal Chemistry and Technology, University of MInnesota

Joanne Slavin, PhD

Professor of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota

Therese Narzikul, PhD

Professor of Practice in Systems Thinking and Leadership, Villanova University

Marla Barnett, PhD

Senior Wheat Breeder,  Limagrain Cereal Seeds

Edward Deehan, PhD, RD

Assistant Professor,
University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Andrew Ross, PhD

Professor,
Oregon State University

Nikayla Strauss, PhD

Product Development Specialist,
Bayer U.S.– Crop Science

Mariah Jackson, PhD, RDN, LMNT

Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Xiaofei Zhang, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of California, Davis

Janet Chrzan, PhD

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Nutrition, University of Pennsylvania

Jonathan Deutsch, PhD

Professor and Director,
Drexel University Food Lab

Daniel Anderson, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine University of Nebraska Medical Center

Cyrus Desouza MBBS, FACE, FACP

Professor and Chief, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism University of Nebraska Medical Center

Matthew Lee, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health