Kamesh Ellajosyula Receives College of Agricultural Sciences 2004 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award

Kamesh Ellajosyula was awarded the 2004 Outstanding Recent Alumnus award of the College of Agricultural Sciences. Kamesh received a B.S. degree in Agricultural Sciences from Andhra Pradesh Agriculture University, India, in 1994 and an M.S. in Food Science from Penn State in 1998. While at Penn State, Kamesh received many scholarships and awards including the William Rosskam Memorial Scholarship, the Frank and Nina Cobb Scholarship, membership in the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society, and the Certificate of Merit from the Institute of Food Technologists. His thesis research on destruction of gram negative pathogens in fermented meats resulted in two highly cited publications. The results of his research were adopted by the fermented meats industry to insure food safety and were subsequently incorporated into USDA's regulations for the safety of fermented meats, and cited in Food Chemical News and The Code of Federal Regulations.

Since his graduation from Penn State, he has demonstrated significant leadership capabilities in his assignments with Rich Products Corporation, Buffalo, NY. Due to his recognized technical expertise and leadership skills, Kamesh quickly rose through the ranks at Rich Products Corporation, from scientist, Food Safety and Stability, to leader, Global R&D Management Office, to the position he now holds, program manager, Supply Chain/Global R&D. While at Rich Foods Corporation, he has been recognized with Rich's Wall of Fame Award as well as the "40 under 40" recognition as upcoming business and community leader.

Both at Penn State and currently in Buffalo, Kamesh has made many significant contributions to people in his community and professional organizations. He is currently completing an M.B.A. degree at the State University of New York, Buffalo, and hopes to continue to integrate his scientific training and expertise in food science and food safety, his business training and expertise, and his leadership and people skills.