Dr. Medagam is an Assistant Professor of Food Safety and Food Engineering who focuses on connecting academic research with the practical challenges the food industry faces every day. He earned his Master's in Food and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, then completed his PhD at NC State, where his research centered on antimicrobial edible coatings using UV-C treated gallic acid and chitosan to improve food safety and extend shelf life.
He brings hands-on industry experience from dairy and egg ingredient manufacturing, along with a strong background in food quality and safety management systems. Dr. Medagam is a FSPCA Lead Instructor for the Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) V2 curriculum, and he is a recipient of the WiSys Ignite Grant research funding (2026-2027).
In the classroom, he's focused on preparing students who are genuinely ready to step into the food industry, combining rigorous coursework with mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. His leadership roles in quality assurance and food safety management inform how he teaches, and he stays active in professional circles through IFT and Phi Tau Sigma, the food science honor society. He's presented his research at national and international conferences, and he remains committed and determined to make a lasting impact in the field of food science.