The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU) will honor 12 leaders in agriculture and natural resources for leadership at the community, state and/or national levels during the annual Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Week luncheon at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center March 7.

Rohini Mulchandani, PhD, will receive an Outstanding Alumni Award.

Throughout her professional career, Mulchandani has made tremendous contributions to the food science and product development industry.

In 1964, Mulchandani received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in physics from the University of Mumbai, India.  She went on to obtain her master’s degree in food science and technology from Michigan State University in 1966, and in 1969, her doctorate in dairy technology from the Ohio State University.

In September 1973, Mulchandani started her journey with Abbott Laboratories in Columbus, Ohio, working at the Ross Laboratories division (now Abbott Nutrition International) on a number of product improvement and development efforts. She eventually developed and/or commercialized ten “Forta” Nutritional Supplement Mixes for the geriatric market and three complete liquid Medical Nutritionals (Glucerna, Replena and Nepro) for the adult diabetic and renal markets. She holds a patent for the Nepro formulation and two others for her work with stabilizing agents to improve the physical stability of Medical Nutritionals. During her time at Ross Laboratories, Mulchandani was awarded the Abbott Laboratories Presidential Award as well as Individual and Group Technical Awards. 

Upon retiring from Ross Laboratories, Mulchandani combined her two strengths -- food science and ingenuity – to create Arjay Gourmet Foods LTD in March 1998.  Rohini went from food science expert to “chutney lady,” creating 13 versions award-winning chutneys and seasonings. Since then, her company has been awarded four Food Distribution Magazine Hot Sauce, Salsa and Chutney Competition Awards. In addition, she has received two Fiery Foods Challenge Awards. In 1999, she was recognized by the State of Ohio Senate with a “Black Woman of Courage” Award for Entrepreneurship.

 She has been featured on the PBS program “New Americans Short Stories.” In addition, she was the first woman inducted into the Ohio State University Department of Food Science and Technology Hall of Distinction in 2014.