Key Takeaways
- Matthew Taylor appointed as the new head of Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology, starting Aug. 10.
- He brings nearly 20 years of experience in food safety and mentorship, with a focus on microbial food safety.
- Taylor’s previous role at Texas A&M involved over $52 million in research funding for food safety initiatives.
New Leadership in Food Science
Matthew Taylor has been appointed as the head of Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, beginning on August 10. With nearly two decades of experience, Taylor has a strong background in mentoring students and leading research initiatives focusing on food safety.
Expressing gratitude for the role, Taylor noted, “Coming to the Department of Food Science and Technology as its first external department head is a deep honor for me.” He has developed connections with several professional organizations, serving on editorial boards and reviewing for journals related to food microbiology.
Previously, Taylor held a position as a professor at Texas A&M University, where he directed a research program that secured over $52 million in funding. His work concentrated on creating microbiological and mathematical tools to enhance food safety in the U.S. food industry and protect against foodborne pathogens.
In addition to his research and teaching commitments, Taylor actively participated in various food safety committees and professional organizations, including the Texas Food Protection Task Force Steering Committee and the International Association for Food Protection.
During his tenure at Texas A&M, he taught courses related to microbiology and human food safety while maintaining a competitive research laboratory. He also contributed to the AgriLife Extension Service by providing food safety training to industry participants.
Mario Ferruzzi, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, expressed optimism about Taylor’s appointment, stating, “His record of leadership and scholarship will be invaluable for taking the program into the future.” Ferruzzi added that Taylor’s expertise will help prepare the next generation of food scientists to meet evolving challenges in the food systems.
In his vision for the department, Taylor emphasized the goal of ensuring a safe food supply for Virginia and the U.S. “We recommit ourselves to assisting the food industries in solving the needs they encounter by high-quality industry outreach and impactful research,” he stated. He aims to uphold the department’s excellence while paving a path forward for the food industry.
Taylor earned his doctoral degree in food science and technology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2006. He also holds a master’s degree in food science and dual bachelor’s degrees in sociology and food science from North Carolina State University. His diverse educational background supports his leadership role in advancing food safety initiatives at Virginia Tech.
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