Auburn University Food Systems Institute Team
Jean Weese
Associate Director, Food Systems Institute
(334) 844-3269
weesesj@aces.edu
Dr. Weese researches food safety issues in the food processing and food service industries. A food safety specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, she also helps aspiring entrepreneurs navigate a maze of regulations. She has worked with school lunch programs to add more fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains to the menu.
Karen Hunley
Communications Specialist
Karen Hunley is responsible for grant writing, editing, and communications projects at AUFSI. She holds a master’s degree in technical and professional communication as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Her background includes positions as a communications specialist and a newspaper journalist.
Regina Crapps
Academic Program Administrator
crappre@auburn.edu
Alternate Phone: (334) 844-0452
Regina Crapps is in charge of handling registration and payment for AUFSI classes and pulling together all the details of delivering course materials, providing information for students and calculating CEUs. She has a background in human resources, financial analysis and class and workshop facilitation and holds a degree in human resources from Auburn University-Montgomery.
Jacqueline Kochak
Communications Specialist
(334) 844-7465
kochaja@auburn.edu
Jacque Kochak handles grant writing and communications projects for AUFSI, including researching and writing brochures, the annual report and press releases. An award-winning writer and editor, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Kansas.
Savannah Mehren
Contracts and Grants Specialist
Savannah Mehren assists with the management, acquisition, dissemination, and reporting of sponsored program funds. She previously worked for the CDC-funded Rape Prevention and Education Program for 13 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in health education from UAB.