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Published on 09/13/00

Chinnan Wins D.W. Brooks Award

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Manjeet S. Chinnan

University of Georgia professor Manjeet S. Chinnan will receive the prestigious D.W. Brooks Award for Excellence in Public Service for international agriculture Oct. 2 in Athens, Ga.

Chinnan is a professor of food science and technology and in biological and agricultural engineering in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He is an internationally recognized authority on processing, handling and storing peanuts, cereal legumes, fruits and vegetables.

He has published more than 80 research publications and has earned more than $6.5 million in research grants and contracts.

International Leader

His leadership in networking with international scientists in the Caribbean and Central America led to a 10-year project with postharvest handling of peanuts. The group continues to develop projects in Bulgaria, the Philippines and Ghana.

Chinnan developed a simple instrument to measure the hardness of blackeye peas and other legumes. The hard-to-cook condition in most beans and peas subjected to extended storage is a critical problem in the canning industry.

The device, designed and developed for easy use in the quality assurance laboratories in food processing companies in Georgia, allows for more precise processing control and reduces energy costs.

Because of his contribution to the Nigerian USAID project, Chinnan and team members were awarded the 1991 Institute of Food Technologists International Award. The award recognizes contribution resulting in an international exchange of ideas in food technology, a better international understanding in the field and a successful transfer of food technology to a developing nation.

Other Winners

The annual Brooks awards are presented to UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences faculty who excel in teaching, research, extension and international agriculture. The awards include a framed certificate and a $5,000 cash award.

Other honorees this year are: Eddie McGriff, county extension programming; Michael Dirr, teaching; Steve L. Brown, extension; and John Ruter, research.

Before the awards ceremony, William F. Kirk, vice president of DuPont Biosolutions Enterprise, will deliver the D.W. Brooks Lecture: "The 21st Century -- An Agribusiness Odyssey."

The lecture and awards are named for the late D.W. Brooks, founder and chairman emeritus of Gold Kist, Inc., and founder of Cotton States Mutual Insurance Companies. Brooks was an advisor on agriculture and trade issues to seven U.S. presidents.

Faith Peppers is the director of public affairs with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.