Huerta joins Department of Animal and Food Sciences to expand and deepen Texas Tech’s impact in Latin America and the Caribbean

The native of Venezuela was the Director of Technical Services for the Latin-American region of U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) before beginning his new position. His main research interests have been growth, yield and meat quality, meat grading, meat processing, meat nutrient composition, and meat safety.

"We are delighted to have Dr. Huerta join our team," stated Mindy Brashears, professor of food safety and public health and the director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence. "He will be critical in helping us expand and deepen our research and teaching programs in Latin America and the Caribbean."

From 1999 to 2003 Huerta represented USMEF for marketing and promotion activities of U.S. red meats in Central America and the Andean Community of Nations. He is a lifetime member of the Venezuela Meats Advisory Committee of the Venezuelan Ministry of Agriculture, and was awarded an Honorary Membership of the Venezuelan Beef Council. The American Meat Science Association awarded him with the International Lectureship Award in 2010. Since then, he has served as board member of the International Stockman Educational Foundation. According to Brashears, Nelson's presence will help Texas Tech University continue to improve food security, meat science and food safety globally.