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Nathaniel Whitaker, interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Michael Malone, vice chancellor for research and engagement, have announced that Lynne McLandsborough has been named interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement and interim director of the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE).

Effective Sept. 1, McLandsborough, a professor of food science, will oversee CAFE, UMass Extension and the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station. A national decanal search for a permanent director of CAFE will commence in the fall.

A member of the UMass faculty since 1995, McLandsborough is a highly respected food microbiologist who has made significant contributions to the field. Her research has focused on food safety including biofilm formation of pathogenic and spoilage organisms in the food processing environment and how to remove them. One of her major accomplishments is the development of antimicrobial delivery systems, and she is currently working on developing non-water-based cleaning and sanitation systems for use in the food industry. She has devoted much time and effort to support excellence in teaching and advising in the Food Science program and has made extensive service contributions to the university. 

In addition to her research, McLandsborough has collaborated with extension personnel in the Food Science and Nutrition departments to applied research and to UMass Extension programs in food safety in service of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts constituents. McLandsborough is an experienced administrator who has completed the HERS Leadership Institute, served as the head of the Department of Food Science since 2020 and co-chairs the Food Science Industry Advisory Board. She will step out of her role as head of the Department of Food Science while serving as director of CAFE.