Tara McHugh is Pacific West Area Director for the USDA, Agricultural Research Service.  As Area Director she leads a diverse program of innovative and high impact agriculture research across eight Western States, in 21 locations and 49 research units.  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.