STILLWATER, Okla. – Two employees from the Food & Agricultural Products Center on the campus of Oklahoma State University recently won awards of merit from Gamma Sigma Delta.

Members of the agricultural honor society recognized David Moe, FAPC pilot plant manager, and Stanley Gilliland, FAPC food microbiologist, at the annual spring reception and initiation on April 12, 2007.

“To have two of our employees recognized as outstanding among their peers is an honor for all of us here at the FAPC,” said J. Roy Escoubas, FAPC director. “It is because of our quality workforce that we are able to serve Oklahoma businesses and entrepreneurs so well.”

David Moe

Moe received the Outstanding Staff Award of Merit for his excellence in contributing to the FAPC mission of adding value to Oklahoma.

“Dave Moe is an outstanding professional,” said Tim Bower, FAPC food engineer who nominated Moe for the award. “Dave’s been an integral part of the FAPC from the day it opened. His influence reaches throughout the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and deep into the food processing industry of Oklahoma. He’s become an icon of inspiration for many.”

Moe joined the FAPC in 1997 as pilot plant manager. He coordinated the start up of the FAPC pilot processing facility and currently works with Oklahoma entrepreneurs and industries adding value to Oklahoma commodities through further processing.

Moe regularly oversees recipe scale-up for commercial application, cost analysis, ingredient evaluation and sourcing, equipment evaluation, setting process parameters and processing product for market evaluation. Moe also is an essential resource for food safety, labeling, regulatory and other issues.

“I try to support and/or pass a little something on to everyone who comes to me for assistance, including students,” Moe said. “Life has been good to me, so my current position gives me an opportunity to give back and have a little fun at the same time.”

Moe earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and a master’s from Kansas State University before beginning his more than 40 years in the food industry with a focus on processed meat products and systems.

“I enjoy reading, running, home remodeling and traveling two-lane roads with my wife, Juanita, looking for interesting things to see and eat,” Moe said. “It’s an interesting mix, but I also enjoy Broadway Theater, loafing and working on my old Porsche, when it’s not too hot.”

Stanley Gilliland

Gilliland received the Experienced Research Scientist Award of Merit for his continuing research exploring lactic acid bacteria uses in the food industry.

“Stanley Gilliland is an essential contributor to our research efforts here at the FAPC,” Escoubas said. “His involvement in multiple research projects demonstrates the strength of his research capabilities and the value of his research laboratory to the FAPC, the department of animal science and the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.”

Steven Damron, OSU Animal Science professor, nominated Gilliland for the prestigious award.

“It’s always nice to be recognized among your peers,” Gilliland said. “To be recognized as outstanding in the field of research is a great honor.”

Gilliland received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University in dairy manufacturing and dairying, respectively, before going to North Carolina State University to earn his doctorate degree in food science.

The Regents Professor and Sitlington Endowed Chair currently teaches both upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in addition to serving as coordinator of the food science graduate program. In recent years, Gilliland has used more than $500,000 of intellectual properties royalty to fund graduate assistantships and purchase laboratory equipment.

“Outstanding graduate students are the backbone of university research programs,” Gilliland said.

Because of his expertise in the areas lactobacilli and probiotics, Gilliland has traveled to seven countries outside of the U.S. to present lectures and symposia papers, including a presentation to the World Health Organization.

Gamma Sigma Delta

Formed in 1905, Gamma Sigma Alpha is an agricultural society devoted to carrying out the following objectives: “the advancement of agriculture in all its phases, the maintenance and improvement of the relations of agriculture and related sciences to other industries, and the recognition of the responsibilities of those engaged in all aspects of agriculture to humankind.”

More information about Gamma Sigma Delta can be found atwww.gammasigmadelta.org.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

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