Dirusso

Concetta C. Dirusso

Career Highlights

Dr. DiRusso has a distinguished career in scientific research, STEM education, and executive administration. She is an internationally recognized biomedical researcher and nutritional biochemist specializing in lipids and macronutrients. Her expertise spans biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition, and public health.

  • Founder & CEO, Kennebec Analytical Services, LLC – Established and led an ANAB-accredited laboratory registered with the DEA, implementing accredited methods for pesticide, mycotoxin, terpene, and cannabinoid analysis.
  • Jefferson Science Fellow, USAID – Served as an international consultant on nutrition and nutritionally sensitive agriculture, advising global health initiatives.
  • Senior Executive in Academia & Research – Held leadership positions at the University of Nebraska, University of Tennessee-Memphis, and Albany Medical College, specializing in human resource development, recruitment, and scientific program leadership.

Professional & Administrative Experience

  • 2020-2023, President & CEO, Kennebec Analytical Services, LLC
  • 2015-Present, George Holmes University Professor of Biochemistry (Emeritus since 2020)
  • 2018-2020, Dual Career Program Coordinator, Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • 2014-Present, Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
  • 2014-2019, Jefferson Science Fellow, USAID Global Health
  • 2016-2020, Co-Director, UNL Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communications
  • 2008-2020, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • 2003-2008, Senior Scientist & Director, Center for Metabolic Diseases, Ordway Research Institute, Albany, NY
  • 1996-2008, Full/Associate Professor, Cardiovascular Sciences Center, Albany Medical College
  • 1994, Visiting Scholar, Biokemisk Institut, Odense Universitet (Denmark)
  • 1986-1996, Assistant/Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee

Professional Associations (Selected)

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • American Society for Microbiology
  • American Heart Association
  • American Society for Nutrition
  • International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids & Lipids

Honors & Awards (Selected)

  • George Holmes University Professor of Biochemistry (2015-Present, Emerita 2020)
  • Jefferson Science Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (2014-2019)
  • Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2013-Present)
  • Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Status of Women (2012)
  • National Science Foundation Research Career Advancement Award (1994-1995)
  • National Institutes of Health Individual Research Service Award (1983-1986)

Consulting & Policy Work

  • USAID Humanitarian Specialized Nutritious Foods Community of Interest (2021-2023)
  • Senior Technical Advisor for Food, Nutrition & Health, USAID (2014-2015)
  • Consultant to United Nations Interagency RUSF Harmonization Working Group (2014-Present)

Recreational Interests

Hiking, skiing, and gardening (completed the Master Gardner Program through Colorado State University)