Mario Ferruzzi
250 Drillfield Dr
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Education
- Ph.D., Food Science and Nutrition, Ohio State University, 2001
- M.S., Food Science and Nutrition, Ohio State University, 1998
- B.S., Chemistry, Duke University, 1996
Professional Appointments
2024 - Present: Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
2021 – 2024: Chief, Section of Developmental Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
2021 - 2024: Director, Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR
2019 - 2021: David H. Murdock Distinguished Professor, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC
2016 - 2019: Professor, Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Food Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Caroline State University, Kannapolis, NC
2012 - 2016: Professor, Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
2008 - 2012: Associate Professor, Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
2004 - 2008: Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
2003 - 2004: Research Scientist, Nestlé, Lausanne, CH
2001 - 2003: Research and Development Technologist, Nestlé, Marysville, OH
Expertise
- Nutrition
- Agriculture
- Micronutrient and phytochemical bioavailability
- Human health impact
- Metabolism
Research
Ferruzzi’s research lies at the interface of agriculture, food, and nutrition sciences in the study of micronutrient and phytochemical bioavailability, metabolism, and impact to human health. He focuses on strategies that can be leveraged to improve the nutritional and functional quality of food products for at-risk populations. He has helped address international food and nutrition needs through collaborations with leading academic and government research centers and institutions in Italy, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Senegal, and South Africa. His research efforts have received consistent support from the federal, non-profit, and private sectors.
As a current member of the USDA’s National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board, Ferruzzi provides insight into priorities for food and agriculture research. He also offers guidance to key stakeholder groups, including food manufacturers and associations, on the interface of food and nutrition sciences and the development and assessment of food products.