Robert Cassens
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Dr. Robert Cassens has attained a highly regarded international status for both the depth and importance of his research over the past 40 years, and his work to bring the international meat science community closer together has not only impacted the work we do today, but also will influence the next generation of meat scientists.
Dr. Cassens’ interest in promoting international communications about meat science likely dates back to 1963 when he was name a Fulbright Fellow at the CSIRO Food Preservation Lab in North Ryde, Australia. He observed then that CSIRO scientists viewed the communications with other researchers—especially in other countries—as a high priority. This early experience set in motion a career-long emphasis on developing strong international networks among scientists with similar interests.
At the foundation of Dr. Cassens’ international legacy are his graduate students. At the University of Wisconsin, he has worked with 40 graduate students or post-doctoral scientists from 17 countries, including: Argentina, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey. These in addition to mentoring many more American gradate students and scientists. His students have gone on to prominent positions in private business, academia, research institutions, and government agencies here in the US, and around the world.
Dr. Cassens has been active in the planning of and participation in the International Congress of Meat Science and Technology, attending more than 30 of these conferences, beginning with the 1972 meeting in Guelph, Ontario. He has presented papers at many congresses, and has served as session chair and on scientific planning committees.
As a farm kid from Illinois to internationally recognized meat scientist, Bob Cassens has provided a sound education on the conversion of live animals to meat for thousands of citizens of Wisconsin, and for the world, at large. His contributions to the international community are why we recognize him with the 2005 International Award.