Lincoln, Neb. —Silvana Martini has been appointed as the incoming head of the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, effective July 1. She will succeed Curtis Weller, who will transition back to the faculty after eight years of dedicated leadership.
Martini brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as a professor in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences at Utah State University since 2005. Notably, she has also been at the helm of the Aggie Chocolate Factory since 2018, where she has provided invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students and community members interested in chocolate production and food processing.
Recognized as a pioneer in utilizing high-intensity ultrasound to manipulate the physical properties of fats, Martini boasts an impressive publication record and has earned accolades such as the Robins Award for Faculty Research of the Year at Utah State University and the Alton E. Bailey Award from the American Oil Chemists’ Society. Her decision to join UNL was fueled by the university's renowned research programs and cutting-edge facilities.
Expressing enthusiasm for her new role, Martini emphasized her excitement about engaging with the vibrant community at UNL and aligning with the department's initiatives. She is committed to fostering continued innovation in research, teaching, and Extension programs while prioritizing the support and success of faculty, staff, and students.
Mike Boehm, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources expressed confidence in Martini's ability to lead the department to new heights, citing her collaborative spirit and eagerness to embrace new opportunities.
Martini holds bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the University of La Plata, Buenos Aires. Before her tenure at Utah State University, she conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Guelph, Canada.
For further information about UNL’s Food Science and Technology Department, visit foodscience.unl.edu.
