Randy Beaudry was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1958. His father, Norman was a carpenter at the University of Toledo. His mother, Peggy was a homemaker. He earned his BS in Horticulture from Ohio State University and his PhD from University of Georgia. Randy started his career at MSU as a postharvest physiologist in 1989. He and his wife, Becky, have a daughter, Zoe, who currently attends Kalamazoo College.
Dr. Beaudry is a professor at Michigan State University and recently served for two years as Acting Chairperson for the Michigan State Horticulture Department. His research activities focus on preserving the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables. Specific areas of expertise include modified atmosphere packaging, controlled-atmosphere storage, non-destructive quality assessment, apple postharvest disorder physiology, the molecular and biochemical control of aroma biosynthesis, and use of volatiles to inhibit decay. Spin-offs from research have lead to the development of a number of practical devices or methods for which patents have been awarded.
Much of Dr. Beaudry's research is service-oriented as he works closely with the apple and sugarbeet industries. Current emphasis for the Great Lakes apple industry is placed on the development of successful controlled atmosphere storage protocols for the variety ‘Honeycrisp’. His Extension assignment is with the Michigan Apple Maturity Program, designed to improve quality of Michigan apples. Information is shared on a weekly basis with Michigan shippers, packing houses, storage operators and growers. Dr. Beaudry is also responsible for organizing and conducting the bi-annual Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage Clinics. Operators are kept up-to-date on recent changes in CA and packinghouse regulations, methods for increasing efficiency of CA operations and techniques for improving their ability to maintain high fruit quality.
The Michigan State Horticultural Society is pleased to present the Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Randy Beaudry.