Jerrad Legako, an associate professor within Texas Tech University’s Department of Animal & Food Sciences, has been named associate chair of the fast-growing and nationally recognized academic unit, effective March 1. Legako has served as the department’s interim associate chair since 2021.

“I am excited for the opportunity to formally serve in the role of Associate Chair,” Legako said. “I think there are many significant areas the department may advance over the next few years. I look forward to working with faculty, students, staff, and Dean’s office administration. I believe our current leadership in the department and at the Dean’s office have developed an ambitious vision and I am happy I have the opportunity to contribute to the effort.”

In his new position Legako will play a key leadership role responsible for assisting with administrative functions and supporting the overall management and strategic direction of the department. That includes collaborating closely with the Department Chair Chance Brooks, as well as coordinators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

“Dr. Jerrad Legako is an accomplished academician and loyal alumnus who has assisted when needed with distinguished service," said Brooks. "I am looking forward to his leadership and administrative support as we continue our pursuit of excellence in Animal and Food Sciences.”

Legako’s research and teaching specialization is in the area of meat science, and his research program primarily focuses upon pre- and post-harvest factors which influence beef quality. His program is differentiated from others based on his usage of analytical chemistry to explore beef flavor character and beef flavor development. 

Some of the specific factors being explored in Legako's research group include how animal diet, management, genetics, post-mortem aging, packaging and cooking influence beef flavor. Thus far in his academic career, Legako has served as an investigator or co-investigator on research projects totaling more than $8.6 million. Results from these research efforts have been presented in 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, 166 refereed abstracts, 13 proceedings papers, 24 invited presentations, and one co-authored book chapter.

Prior to joining the Tech faculty in 2016, Legako worked three years as an assistant professor in Utah State University’s Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences, and continues to serve as an affiliate or adjunct faculty member at Colorado State University, Utah State University, and the University of Arkansas.

Honors include Texas Tech Chancellor's Council Distinguished Research Award (2021); American Meat Science Association – Distinguished Achievement Award (2019); Institute of Food Technologists Muscle Foods Division – Member of the Year (2018), and Utah State’s Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences (2016).

Legako received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Texas Tech and master’s degree in food science from Oklahoma State University. His doctorate degree in animal science with an emphasis in meat science is from Texas Tech. He is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists, American Society of Animal Science, and the American Meat Science Association.

The Department of Animal & Food Sciences has an enrollment of 1,345 undergraduates and 115 graduate students. It is housed in a modern research and teaching facility and has excellent research support. There are 27 faculty members in the department, and many are leading researchers in their respective fields. Areas of research emphasis include meat science and muscle biology, food science and safety, animal nutrition, health, and welfare, and companion animal science. 

CONTACT: Chance Brooks, Chair and Professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2805 or chance.brooks@ttu.edu

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