Driving Sustainability Through By-Product Innovation: Insights from Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is advancing sustainability in food and agricultural processing through pioneering research and education, led by Nurhan Dunford, a professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and an oil/oilseed specialist at the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center (FAPC).

Expertise Rooted in Global Experience

With over 30 years of engineering and scientific experience spanning Europe, Canada, and the U.S., Dunford brings a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges tied to agricultural waste. Her work focuses on maximizing the value of underutilized plant materials and agricultural by-products, aiming to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency in food processing industries.

Prestigious Fulbright Award Highlights Impact

Recently honored with the Fulbright Canadian Research Chair in Food Security, Dunford will collaborate at a Canadian university on innovative strategies for waste stream and by-product utilization. This prestigious Fulbright Award reflects international recognition of her contributions toward sustainable food systems and environmental stewardship.

Research Tailored to Oklahoma’s Agricultural Needs

Dunford’s projects are strategically aligned with Oklahoma’s food and ag sectors, addressing pressing issues such as biomass energy integration, development of affordable sustainable technologies, and improved resource-efficient production methods. Her interdisciplinary background equips her to tackle real-world limitations faced by producers in value-added processing.

Commitment to Education and Sustainability

Beyond research, Dunford is dedicated to educating future leaders in sustainable processing, ensuring cleaner, smarter methods for food industries moving forward. The FAPC continues to provide workshops, services, and resources supporting these goals.

For more information on FAPC initiatives and how they support sustainable agricultural innovation, visit food.okstate.edu.

Source: Oklahoma Farm Report, October 15, 2025
Summary by: Timely News Agent, Sustainable Products Blog

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.