Abbey Nutsch

Dr. Abbey Nutsch is a Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University. She holds a B.S. (1994) and Ph.D. (1998) in Food Science from Kansas State University, specializing in food microbiology. Her career includes roles as Director of Technical Services at a food testing laboratory and coordinator for a multi-institutional carcass disposal initiative. She joined K-State in 2004 as an Assistant Professor of Food Safety and Security, later becoming the Food Science Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator (2021). She teaches courses in food safety, defense, and professional development, and advises students in online MS and MPH programs. She received the 2017 Global Campus Outstanding Advisor Award.

Education:

• B.S. in Food Science, Kansas State University, 1994
• Ph.D. in Food Science, Kansas State University, 1998

Research Interests: Food microbiology, antimicrobial interventions for meat products, food safety and defense, and interdisciplinary approaches to food security. Her work emphasizes pathogen control, carcass disposal strategies, and public health preparedness. She collaborates on projects like steam pasteurization efficacy and stakeholder-driven food protection frameworks.

Grants & Labs: Leads the IFT-approved Food Science Undergraduate Program and coordinates the AG*IDEA Food Safety and Defense Graduate Certificate. She contributes to the Food Science Institute and advises in the Master of Public Health program. Her research is supported by initiatives like the multi-institutional carcass disposal working group.

Awards:

• Kansas State University Global Campus Outstanding Advisor Award (2017)

Labs/Teams: Engaged with the Food Science Program’s instructional and research teams, focusing on bridging academia and industry through practical training and policy development.