Greetings from the Chair Dear Food Science Colleagues, Alumni, and Friends, Each day that passes here, I note the warming weather, lengthening daylight hours and…
Why Choose UW–Madison Department of Food Science?
The UW—Madison Department of Food Science has been part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for more than 100 years, instructing generations of food science and industry leaders. With a job placement rate of nearly 100%, our distinguished faculty provide students with an exciting and challenging curriculum that equips graduates with the skills to succeed in today’s global economy. UW Food Scientists impact society by developing sustainable practices and helping people access wholesome food.
Getting Involved
There are a variety of clubs and extracurriculars within the Department, each one offering unique experiences and opportunities for professional and personal growth:
- Dairy Product Judging Team
- Food Science Club
We Prepare Graduates
The Food Industry is a fast-paced, competitive, and growing sector of the global economy. The Department of Food Science prepares graduates to contribute to a variety of areas in this exciting professional field. With nearly 100% job placement, our graduates are equipped to compete and succeed in a modern global economy.
Keep Up With Food Science
Wisconsin researchers lead natural food coloring breakthrough as industry phases out artificial dyes
By Phoebe Murray, WMTV MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – As major companies eliminate synthetic dyes from their products by the end of 2027, Wisconsin researchers are positioned…
By Chris Hubbuch Microbes are key to turning plants into liquid fuels. Yeasts and bacteria eat plant sugars, such as glucose, and turn them into…
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Check our our Spring 2026 Newsletter! It has all the latest and greatest news from the Department of Food Science.
You can read the newsletter on our website here: https://foodsci.wisc.edu/impact-newsletter-spring-2026/
#foodscience #uwmadison #newsletter
Congratulations to Loren Smith, this years recipient of the Virginia Dare award! This recipient must be an undergraduate students in good academic standing and demonstrate an interested in a future career in food science. Great job Loren! 🎉
#FoodScience #VirginiaDare #UWMadison #Award
Food Science students visiting the GEA Food Testing & Precision Fermentation Facility in Janesville! They gained a better insight into fermentation operations. Looks like they had a great time! 🤓
#foodscience #uwmadison #fermentation
Congratulations to Wendy Lu, this years recipient of the Doug Hyslop award! This recipient is a senior in the food science program, they demonstrate intellectual curiosity, ability, and desire to pursue intellectual excellence. Great job Wendy! 🎉
#FoodScience #DBHyslop #UWMadison #Award
Congratulations to Food Science Department Administrator, Marcia Verhage, for being a recipient of the 2026 CALS Academic Staff Excellence Award! Marcia has shown an excellence in performance, always going above and beyond to help those around her and always having a positive attitude to those around her. We are proud to have Marcia as the Department Administrator within our department.
#FoodScience #UWMadison #AcademicStaffExcellence
@babcockdairy released a limited edition ice cream flavor inspired by UW alumna, author, and philanthropist Sue Patterson and her husband, best-selling author James Patterson. This flavor is available now at available local retail and scoop shops for a limited time, so get yours today! 🍦🏃
#foodscience #uwmadison #icecream #Dairystore #babcock #babcockdairy #jamespatterson #suepatterson
The Department of Food Science is proud to work with National FFA Organization for the 2026 Wisconsin FFA State Contests! This means that on Friday, April 24, High School students from around Wisconsin will be visiting UW-Madison campus for the day. Please be mindful of the extra foot traffic and the students doing their exams. 🤓
#FoodScience #FutureFarmersOfAmerica #UWMadison #FFA
Professor Richard Hartel speaks to Deema Zein in an interview from PBS regarding recipe changes from beloved chocolate companies.🍫
#foodscience #uwmadison #pbs #chocolate
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/candy-makers-quietly-change-recipes-as-climate-change-hits-cocoa-industry
Image by Tetiana Bykovets on Unsplash
Professor J.P. van Pijkeren has been named the faculty director of the Food Research Institute (@foodresearchuw)! As the new director, van Pijkeren will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving connections with industry sponsors and funds for FRI programs and activities.
#foodscience #uwmadison #foodresearchinstitute
