Neil James is Associate Dean for Academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Florida A&M University (FAMU). He is also professor of food science and has over thirty years of higher education experience that includes the introduction and leadership of the food science program at FAMU.  He has also directed a dozen Masters theses and conducted research in food composition, the effect of processing on nutrients in foods, and food safety.  In his current position he seeks to expand interest in the food and agricultural sciences among university and K-12 students and increase linkages between the college and the food and agricultural industry.  He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Guyana and obtained his doctorate in food science from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.