Jerrad Legako, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Animal and Food Sciences Department at Texas Tech University. Dr. Legako’s research and teaching specialization is in meat science. His research program addresses pre- and post-harvest factors, which influence meat quality and safety. His research is supported through federal grants, foundations, and private industry, totaling over $6 million. To date Dr. Legako has authored or co-authored 69 peer reviewed manuscripts, 1 book chapter, and over 100 abstracts. He is frequently invited to speak at national and international conferences, including the Reciprocal Meats Conference, American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, and Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting. Dr. Legako has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students who now work in various capacities within the meat and food industries, as well as academia. Currently, Dr. Legako serves as advisor for 4 PhD and 3 MS students and 4 undergraduate researchers. Dr. Legako has instructed courses, such as Food Analysis, Food Chemistry, Meat Technology and Processing, and Experimental Techniques in Meat Chemistry and Muscle Biology. Dr. Legako serves as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals and is an active member within the American Meat Science Association, American Association of Animal Scientists, and Institute of Food Technologists. Dr. Legako also frequently delivers HACCP and GFSI courses to food industry personnel as a contributor to Food Safety Net Services education team. Since June of 2021 Dr. Legako also began serving as Interim Associate Department Chair.