April 2019
Department Newsletter
News and Activities
Open House
The grain science faculty, staff and students enjoyed food, fun and plenty of purple at the K-State Open House in early April.

In addition to flour and bake sales, the students also facilitated flour milling demonstrations, workshops for EPAW Cruncher pet treats and bakery demonstrations.

Grain Craft Mill Repair Day
The Milling Science I students visited Grain Craft in McPherson, Kansas, to work on roll stands, sifters and learn lab functions in addition to touring the plant.

A total of 25 students participated in the field trip and we would like to thank our friends at Grain Craft for allowing our students to have this experience.
Turkish Flour Industrialists Federation's Annual Congress
In addition to attending and speaking at the Turkish Flour Industrialists Federation's Annual Congress, a few faculty members were able to tour the Baspinar Un Mill in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Awards and Recognitions
International Association of Operative Millers Annual Conference
  • Mardi Traskowsky was selected for the $5,000 Christian F. Kongsore Scholarship.
  • Kirsty Gordon received the IMEF Distinguished Professors Scholarship for $3,000.
  • Buhler Instructor of Milling, Jason Watt, was awarded the Arlin B. Ward Commendation for Collaboration in Milling Education. This award recognizes exceptional contributions in the sphere of milling education.
NSF CAREER Award
Dr. Yi Zheng is one of two K-State faculty members to have recently received the Faculty Early Career Development Award, which is one of the most coveted awards for researchers working in areas funded by the National Science Foundation.

Zheng's long-term career goals are to establish internationally recognized research and education programs in bio manufacturing.

Department of Grain Science and Industry Annual Student Scholarship and Industry Awards Banquet
Congratulations to all of the students, faculty and staff that were recognized at the 11th Annual Department of Grain Science and Industry Student Scholarship and Industry Awards Banquet. Check out the photos here.
Faculty Spotlight - Fran Churchill
For this month's Faculty Spotlight, we are featuring our North American Millers' Association (NAMA) Instructor of Milling, Frances Churchill. 

Churchill currently teaches Principles of Milling, Milling Science I and Milling Processing Technology Management. 

When asked what her favorite course to teach is, Churchill said it was a tough question. "I enjoy turning grain science students on to our processes and industries in Principles of Milling. I also enjoy working with senior-level students in Milling Processing Technology Management, incorporating all of their experience that they've had so far." 

Churchill said that she chose the grain science industry because she loved the connection to wheat farming and baking. "Growing up on a typical, small Kansas farm, I was playing in the wheat field and taking trips to the local elevator at a very early age, as well as learning how to bake bread. 

Churchill said that her advice to future students is to take as many science and mathematics classes in high school as possible. 

Department of Grain Science and Industry
785-532-6161
www.grains.ksu.edu
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