Ramanathan recognized for excellence in teaching

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Ranjith Ramanathan, food science associate professor at Oklahoma State University, received the 2018 North American College and Teachers of Agriculture Educator Award and the 2018 College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Alpha Zeta Outstanding Teacher Award.

Both awards recognize outstanding efforts in teaching. Ramanathan has a 65 percent teaching appointment and teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses, including FDSC 1133: Fundamentals of Food Science, FDSC 3373: Food Chemistry I, FDSC 4373: Food Chemistry II, FDSC 4763: Analysis of Food Products and FDSC 5573: Advanced Food Chemistry.

“Dr. Ramanathan’s approach to teaching and mentoring is what sets him apart as an outstanding teacher,” said food science student Charley Rayfield. “His passion for teaching and helping students is evident in every class he teaches. Dr. Ramanathan is not only an outstanding teacher, but also an outstanding leader and mentor within the animal and food sciences department.”

Ramanathan joined Oklahoma State University’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences in 2012. He has shown a true talent for teaching and is beloved by students. He has a high overall score on ratemyprofessors. com, with 100 percent of student reviewers saying they would take his class again.

“Dr. Ram has been a great mentor to me and has taught me many helpful tools in my educational career,” said Emmy Bechtold, food science student. “After I took his introduction to food science class, I immediately knew I wanted my major to be food science. He showed me a new take on the agricultural industry. He also introduced me to research, which has pushed me intellectually.”

In addition to teaching, Ramanathan has been the academic advisor for approximately 86 undergraduate students, served as faculty advisor for the Food Science Club and is the coordnator for the department’s undergraduate research scholar program where students gain handson experience working on research projects. In 2017, he was the recipient of the American Society of Animal Science Young Animal Scientist Award - Education.

“Dr. Ram has been the biggest influence on my academic career here at OSU,” said Jessie Payne, food science student. “Without his guidance I would have never gotten research opportunities, job opportunities and much much more. He is truly the best thing about the food science program at OSU. He is a great leader, but a even better person. I have worked with him the past two years and he always knows what to say.”