Simunovic honored with Tung Award

Dr. Josip Simunovic, research associate professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, has been honored with the Marvin A. Tung Achievement Award given by the Institute for Thermal Processing Specialists.

The award is the highest given by the institute. It is presented when deserving nominees are identified for career contributions toward the achievement of the institute’s mission to provide leadership and education to thermal processing specialists.

Simunovic is a member of a team of Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences faculty members that designed, developed and commercialized continuous flow microwave food processing. This method of food processing, which is being used at several North Carolina locations, is recognized as one of the leading advanced thermal processing technologies in the world.

The technology differs from other processing technologies in that it heats the material being processed more quickly and uniformly. Foods processed using continuous flow microwave technology may be stored for long periods without refrigeration.

The team’s work has resulted in nine U.S. and more than 30 international patents, while six U.S. patent applications are pending.

Written by: Dave Caldwell, 919.513.3127 or dave_caldwell@ncsu.edu