UK’s Youling Xiong honored with SEC Faculty Achievement Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 23, 2026) — Professor Youling Xiong, Ph.D., has been named winner of the 2026 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Faculty Achievement Award for the University of Kentucky. Selected by SEC provosts, the awards recognize individuals whose work advances knowledge, elevates their institutions and reflects the highest standards of excellence across the conference.

“I see this award being an indication of the quality and achievements of my past and present graduate and undergraduate students whom I have had the privilege to teach and mentor, my inspiring postdocs, great colleagues and collaborators — including not just those around me but also many from Europe, Asia, North and South America, and the administrative support,” said Xiong.

Named a Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professor in 2024, Xiong has been a faculty member in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) since 1990. His research has focused on food biochemistry and protein functionality for healthy food production in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. He teaches students the science of food biochemistry and protein food innovation, as well as meat science.

“We aim to address the potential negative health impact of ultra-processed foods, which account for 70% of industry-produced food consumption in the U.S. and much of the world,” said Xiong. “We do so through basic research to minimize exposures of nutrients and functional food components — proteins, lipids and carbohydrates — to harsh processing conditions.”

First presented in 2012, the SEC Faculty Achievement Awards honor one faculty member from each SEC institution. Each recipient will also serve as their university’s nominee for the SEC Professor of the Year Award.

Xiong credits UK’s free academic environment for his long tenure with the institution. He said he’s been able to pursue scientific interest, fulfill professional dreams and develop new technologies. Xiong says his years of working closely with young minds has persuaded him to stay so long.

“I tell my students to set your goals, be focused, do your thing, work hard, connect with people, then your good days and successes will come,” said Xiong. “It is very important to do more than to just talk, think about the team because you are just a member — when the team rises you rise; if the team falls you do too, much like a competitive SEC sports team.”