Dr. Senay Simsek is a Professor, holder of the prestigious Dean’s Chair in Food Science, and Head of the Department of Food Science at Purdue University in the United States. She also serves as the Assistant Dean of One Health Initiatives for agricultural research and graduate education at the university. An internationally recognized expert in cereal science and carbohydrate chemistry, she leads the Simsek Lab and is an active faculty member at the world-renowned Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research. Dr. Simsek earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and her Master’s in Biochemistry in Turkey, before completing her Ph.D. in Food Science at Purdue University in 2006. Prior to returning to Purdue in 2021, she spent 15 years as an endowed professor at North Dakota State University (NDSU). Her outstanding contributions have been honored with the International Young Scientist Research Award and the International Excellence in Teaching Award from the Cereals & Grains Association. Her core research program investigates the structure-function relationships of carbohydrates and plant polymers, with a strong focus on upcycling cereals, pulses, and agricultural byproducts (such as industrial hemp) for the food and baking industries. Authoring hundreds of peer-reviewed publications (Google Scholar), Dr. Simsek’s work drives the development of functional food ingredients, biodegradable packaging, and precision nutrition strategies supporting "Food as Medicine" initiatives.