Administrative Director

In being the Administrative Director (AD) for the Department, this role serves as the corporate liaison to our stakeholders. As companies interact with Purdue Food Science, the AD represents those companies, getting the most return for the companies' investments of time and money. This person interacts on behalf of companies as they work with our faculty and on behalf of the faculty as they interact with various areas around Purdue's campus; such as Sponsored Program Services, Office of Technology Commercialization, and the Office of Industry Research. The AD also serves as the Director of the Industrial Associates.

The Industrial Associates is a board comprised of approximately 20 companies that interact with the Department at a number of levels. Some of the member companies seek increased visibility to help them recruit students. Some companies want to develop research relationships throughout the Department and elsewhere at Purdue. All of the companies enjoy the collaborative relationships they develop with the other company members.

Mike puts together two meetings each year, emphasizing quality, timely presentations from faculty across Purdue University, and building in time for company interactions. "I urge companies to come early or stay late around the Industrial Associate meetings so they can meet with faculty or students-which ever fulfills their primary needs. Several companies take advantage of that, as well as to meet with each other. I try to make sure they leave with their time spent exceeding their expectations."