Food Science and Nutrition Professor earns prestigious CSU award

Aydin Nazmi, a professor in Cal Poly’s Food Science and Nutrition Department and a leader of university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of four faculty members from across the California State University (CSU) system to earn the Wang Family Excellence Award. 

Nazmi earned the award in the Outstanding Faculty Service category in recognition of his achievements and contributions to the CSU. 

“I’m humbled to have received this honor,” said Nazmi. “I’m fortunate to have had the support of so many colleagues and students over the last year and throughout my time at Cal Poly. I am looking forward to continuing the work in service to our students throughout this public health crisis and to continue to advocate and work toward addressing our students’ and community’s basic needs in the years to come.”

Since early 2020, Nazmi has served as the Cal Poly Presidential Faculty Fellow for COVID-19 Response and Preparedness. In addition to his work as a professor and faculty fellow, Nazmi is a fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health and serves as an expert scientific advisor on the California Governor’s Science Advisory Board. As co-chair of the Cal Poly Basic Needs Task Force, he leads the Cal Poly CalFresh program, which has improved food access for thousands of college students by assisting them through the statewide program’s application process.