Renée Goodrich, professor of food science and human nutrition, has been tapped to chair the UF/IFAS department where she’s been a faculty member since 1998.
Goodrich will lead the department’s 25 faculty members, as well as its staff and students, starting Sept. 8. Most of the department is based at the main university campus in Gainesville, with a few faculty members at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the entire department as we fulfill our mission to deliver excellence in our research, teaching and Extension programs surrounding human nutrition, dietetics, and food science and technology,” said Goodrich, who also earned her doctoral degree from the same program in 1996.
Goodrich’s expertise is in food processing and safety, with much of her prior research focusing on the state’s signature crop — citrus. She has also served as an Extension specialist in food and beverage processing, including co-organizing the International Citrus & Beverage Conference. She will continue to oversee these outreach efforts in her new role.
“Our department is well-placed to focus on some of the biggest issues surrounding food that affect every person locally and globally, ranging from the impact of food and nutrients on human health, to novel, sustainable and functional foods of the future,” Goodrich said. “It is an exciting time for a food-focused department such as ours.”
In the announcement to UF/IFAS employees on Aug. 23, Goodrich’s experience in teaching, research, Extension and administration were highlighted. Robert Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS and dean for research, made special note of her “impactful” mentorship of graduate students and junior faculty, and of her dedication to the UF/IFAS Tenure, Permanent Status & Promotion Committee and the Academic Personnel Board.
Goodrich succeeds Sue Percival in the role, who led the department for more than 10 years and has rejoined the faculty since stepping down in August.
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