John Floros, professor of food process engineering and packaging at Purdue University, has been appointed head of the Department of Food Science.

“Along with his superb research record, John brings to this position excellent preparation and experience in curriculum development and enhancement, and strong leadership skills to continue to move our food science programs to higher levels,” says Dean Robert Steele.

A native of Greece, Floros received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food science and technology from the Agricultural University of Athens and his doctorate in food science and technology from the University of Georgia in 1988. Beginning as a technician and production supervisor at a fruit processing plant in Andravida, Greece, he advanced to plant manager. Later, he became a research assistant at the University of Athens, then a research assistant at the University of Georgia, before joining Purdue University, where he rose to the rank of professor.

Floros has made substantial contributions in the application of chemical engineering, applied mathematics, and industrial statistics to understand the many phenomena that drive food process engineering and packaging systems. His work has generated significant innovations in efficient food processing and packaging systems, while improving the value, quality, safety, and shelf life of food products.

He developed effective peeling processes for fruits and vegetables, optimized a calcification process for diced tomatoes, and established new, environmentally friendly techniques to commercially ferment vegetables using low-salt brines. He also designed “active” packaging films with antimicrobial properties that improve food safety and extend the shelf life of some packaged foods.

Floros says a supportive college, engaged faculty, and pleasant location all played a role in his decision to come to Penn State, but the determining factor was a chance to lead a vibrant department with a lot of potential for growth. “For years, past and present faculty, staff, and students have contributed to an academic unit with a good reputation and a great promise for the future,” he says. “I believe that with proper leadership, and administrative and industrial support, the department will become one of the best in the world. I view this challenge as having few risks and many rewards.”

In discussing long-range goals for the department, Floros says he will emphasize food science education, research, and extension and technology transfer. “The food industry must be supported in its endeavor to produce safe, nutritious, and high-quality food for an increasingly health-conscious, environmentally concerned public, and an internationally competitive world market,” he notes. “Our research must be cutting edge, solve real problems, and help the Pennsylvania food industry compete successfully in a global marketplace. Our experience, knowledge, and resources must be put to good use by helping communities and industries across Pennsylvania to face issues related to food safety, food quality, and nutrition.”

Floros has been elected to the executive committee of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), and has chaired several national and regional IFT committees and divisions. He was awarded an honorary research visiting professorship in the biotechnology department of Denmark’s Technical University. He also helped develop a graduate curriculum and program for the Department of Food Science and Technology of Aristotelian University in Thessaloniki, Greece, and has been an external reviewer for the applied biology and chemical technology department at the Technical University of Hong Kong.

Floros is a member of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, the American Society for Quality Control, and the Institute of Food Technologists. He also belongs to Phi Tau Sigma, Sigma Xi, and the Society of Plastic Engineers. Floros has published more than 36 refereed articles, 19 book chapters, 12 other publications, and 70 research abstracts. He has presented more than 55 invited lectures and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Food Quality and the trade publication Food, Cosmetics, and Drug Packaging.

Floros’ wife, Patricia, holds a master’s degree in food science from the University of Georgia and worked in the beverage development division of Lipton’s. They have two sons, Dimitri and Nikolas. “After 12 years in the flatlands of Indiana,” he says, “we are all looking forward to living in a more ‘textured’ environment. My two boys are anticipating the winter sports—skiing, snowboarding, and the like—and the chance to see Philadelphia, New York City, Washington, D.C., and other cities. My wife is seriously hoping for some good trout fishing, hiking and biking, and to visit places in Pennsylvania where she lived as a child.

“On long winter nights, I like to sit next to a crackling fireplace, read a favorite author, and enjoy a glass of good wine. I also hope to spend more time with my family doing things we all enjoy. I particularly am anticipating traveling through Pennsylvania and other nearby states. Finally, we are all looking forward to seeing and hearing the Nittany Lions roar.”

—Gary Abdullah