INFORM April 2026

6 INFORM APRIL 2026 , VOL. 37, NO. 4

PROCESSING DIVISION SPOTLIGHTS

THE 2026 AOCS ALTON E. BAILEY AWARDEE The Processing Division is proud to announce that Jerry King, a long-time member of the Division, is this year’s recipient of the Alton E. Bailey Award, sponsored by ADM. The Alton E. Bailey Award recognizes outstanding research contributions and exceptional service in the field of fats, oils, lipids and related disciplines. INFORM: WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION TO JOIN AOCS? King: Membership and participation in AOCS were invaluable to my research activities in oilseeds processing, analysis and utilization - during my tenure with USDA (1986-2002). INFORM: HOW HAS AOCS CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT? King: Recognition of my efforts has been greatly aided via involvement in AOCS, through publication in JAOCS, fairly consistent attendance and participation at annual and specialty meetings sponsored by AOCS and taking up leadership roles in AOCS and related societies. Unexpectantly, this has had a carrying over into disciplines outside of AOCS which involve

lipid technology, for example, cleaning technology and cannabis/hemp R&D. INFORM: HOW HAS AOCS HELPED YOU DEVELOP COMMUNICATION, LEADERSHIP, OR NETWORKING SKILLS? King: Organizing and chairing sessions were seminal in developing my communication and leadership skills. Of particular value, was my interface with industrial companies via the Expo during AOCS annual meetings. INFORM: HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR FIELD EVOLVING IN THE COMING YEARS King: Since my career has been multidisciplinary over the years, “my field” is difficult to define. In the processing and extraction field, integrating green principles can be challenging. I started in the wide application of chromatography which led me into super fluid extraction, solution thermodynamics (inverse gas chromatography), surface chemistry, and more. I have come to realize that as I have persisted in my career, you have only so much control over the evolution of “your field”. Through flexibility and acceptance of new challenges, you will not only grow your own career, but “your field” as well.

JERRY KING Retired processing industry professional, R&D and education consultant

Joined AOCS: 1982