K.P. Sandeep tapped as Interim Director of Plants for Human Health Institute

K.P. Sandeep assumed the role of interim director of NC State University Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) on January 1, 2025, as founding director, Mary Ann Lila, stepped down. Lila will continue her research at PHHI as a David H. Murdock Distinguished professor. Sandeep will oversee operations of PHHI at the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, while maintaining his current role as head of the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) in Raleigh. PHHI is home to research faculty in five College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) departments as well as an NC State Extension team. The mission of PHHI is to focus on discovery and translation of plant and food innovations for disease prevention and health benefits.

“I’m grateful to hand over the directorship to K.P., who has already been interacting with the PHHI over the past decade on a regular basis,” said Lila. “He has a sincere appreciation for the research and outreach coming out of our institute, and will be a cohesive force moving forward.”

Garey Fox, dean of CALS, said that a national search for a new director will begin soon. “With Dr. K.P. Sandeep stepping in as interim director, PHHI is poised for continued success. The College recognizes and appreciates the incredible foundation established by Dr. Mary Ann Lila, which has positioned the institute for continued excellence,” said Fox. “Dr. Sandeep’s extensive expertise in food engineering and bioprocessing and his proven ability to connect research to real-world applications make him uniquely qualified to lead PHHI into its next chapter of innovation and impact.”

Sandeep has been the department head of FBNS since 2018. He is also site director of the Center for Advanced Processing and Packaging Studies at NC State, a National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center.

Sandeep brings a level of familiarity to this new position as five PHHI faculty are members of the FBNS department. In addition, Sandeep was instrumental in helping advance the North Carolina Food Manufacturing Initiative, a partnership of the college, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the N.C. Department of Commerce and the N.C. Research Campus, which led to the establishment of the NC Food Innovation Lab, also located in Kannapolis.

Sandeep reflects, “PHHI has benefited from the leadership of Dr. Mary Ann Lila for nearly 16 years.” Looking ahead, he asserts, “I look forward to working collaboratively with PHHI to strengthen partnerships with entities including the NC Food Innovation Lab (NCFIL), CALS departments, and the UNC Nutrition Research Institute. Building camaraderie, fostering wellness activities, and enhancing the sense of belonging among faculty, staff, and students at PHHI and NCFIL are additional goals that I will support.” 

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