Bingcan Chen, assistant professor of plant sciences, was awarded the “Outstanding Young Scientist in honor of Samuel Cate Prescott” from the Institute of Food Technologists during the IFT-Food Improved by Research, Science and Technology (FIRST) annual event and expo held July 10-13 in Chicago.

Chen joined NDSU in 2015 as food and cereal chemistry specialist. He earned his bachelor’s degree in food science and engineering at Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, China; his master’s degree in pharmacochemistry at Chongqing University, China; and his doctorate in food science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

His research focuses on the understanding of structure and function relationships of food ingredients, particularly lipids, proteins and phenolics, in relation to food quality and flavor.

He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed articles and six book chapters.

The Outstanding Young Scientist Award is one of most prestigious IFT research and innovation awards given annually for outstanding research in food science and technology. Nominees must have received their highest degree within the previous 10 years. The honor includes a cash prize and a crystal award.

“I want to express my gratitude for the hard work of the brilliant and generous graduate students, scientists and collaborators I have had the privilege to work with in the past,” Chen said. “None of what I’ve done would be possible without their hard work and dedication. This award means so much for me to be placed in such distinguished ranks of the past award recipients. I will follow in their footsteps to make my contribution to the food science community.”

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