Andrea Garmyn has been named a research assistant professor in Texas Tech University's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, according to officials within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. She officially stepped into her new research post on Nov. 1.

The Ohio native indicated that she is particularly interested in beef eating quality research, focusing on the consumer and their opinions of beef tenderness and flavor.

One of her primary goals here at Tech is to continue to foster the relationship that has been created between Texas Tech and Silver Fern Farms, which resulted in the development of New Zealand's first ever consumer-based beef grading system. Moreover, she plans to continue her research evaluating the impact cattle finishing systems and growth promotion technologies have on beef cutability and palatability.

Prior to joining the Tech faculty, Garmyn worked as senior research associate and post-doctoral research associate in Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Before joining Tech, she coordinated Kansas State University's carcass data service and coached numerous meat judging teams while pursuing her graduate degrees at Kansas State and Oklahoma State University.

Garmyn received her bachelor's degree in agriculture majoring in animal sciences from The Ohio State University, and her master's degree in animal sciences and industry with a specialization in animal breeding and genetics from Kansas State. Her doctorate degree in food science with a specialization in meat science is from Oklahoma State. She is a member of the American Meat Science Association and the American Society of Animal Science.

By NORMAN MARTIN

CONTACT: Michael Orth, chairman, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2805 or michael.orth@ttu.edu

1201NM14