• 11/29/2004
  • New York, NY
  • no attribution
  • The Hindu (hinduonnet.com)

Bhimu Patil, Associate Professor at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Associate Director of the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, has received the 2004 Outstanding Young Scientist Award from the Division of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.

Dr Patil, who received the award at a ceremony in Philadelphia, has credited his accomplished work in citrus, other fruits and vegetable health benefits research to his father who died 15 years ago.

“My father was diagnosed with cancer when he was already in the third stage,” He told The Valley Morning Star on his return to Texas from Philadelphia. “I could not help him, but through my research I hope to help others. That’s my goal.”

Dr Patil and his eight-member staff are working to isolate compounds found in certain citrus fruits in the Rio Grande Valley, including Rio Red grapefruit, that may help reduce the risk of colon and oral cancer and help lower cholesterol, the Texas newspaper said.

“I was happy to hear the news about the award,” Dr Patil said. “I owe the success to the students who work with me.”

Last year, Patil won the Research Excellence Award from the university. He also has received the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Foundation in appreciation of “significant assistance for the better understanding and friendly relations among people in the world.”