Tara McHugh is an exemplary Center Director for the Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit of USDA, ARS.  She is an internationally recognized expert in innovative food processing, edible films and nanoscience and a leader in high impact technology transfer. Her and her team’s cutting edge science have positively impacted the food industry and rural economies, adding value to specialty crops and co-products, while creating jobs and improving human health.  The developed novel food products, including 100% fruit bars, edible fruit and vegetable films, and vitamin D enhanced mushrooms, are increasing specialty crop consumption while benefiting to human nutrition.