CHICAGO, Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence took another step forward in its commitment to advancing the power of the oat, introducing its Scientific Advisory Board and an online hub for resources and oat research. Developed in 2012 by the Quaker Oats Company, a division of PepsiCo, the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence explores the relevance and benefits of oats through science, agricultural sustainability and innovation.

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Newly appointed advisory board members were selected due to their extensive experience within their fields and will be called upon to share knowledge, information and insights based on their areas of expertise:

• Julie Miller Jones, PhD, CNS, LN, is a Professor Emerita of nutrition in the Department of Family, Consumer and Nutritional Sciences at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Food and Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. Her primary interests within nutrition science are carbohydrates, fiber and whole grains and food safety.
• Len Marquart, PhD, RD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. His current research focuses on consumer understanding and factors that influence whole grain consumption.
• Derek Stewart, PhD, is the leader of the Enhancing Crop Productivity and Utilisation Theme at The James Hutton Institute (JHI) in Scotland, UK. His current research interests include plant and crop metabolism, elucidating the links between plant composition and human health, and studies into the organoleptic qualities (i.e., flavor, aroma, texture and visual appearance) that drive food consumption and food choice. 

"We are thrilled to collaborate with this board of prominent experts as we explore all that the oat has to offer," says Marianne O'Shea, PhD, Director, Quaker Oats Center of Excellence. "These individuals, hailing from exceptional institutions locally and abroad, will help Quaker uphold its commitment to discovering new oat benefits and applications, and ultimately help people around the globe pursue a healthy lifestyle with innovative and delicious oat-based solutions." 

In addition to the advisory board, the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence launched a page for health professionals and those who want to learn more about oat science on the Quaker Oats website. This resource will become a destination where health professionals can find the latest oat information available.

"As we lead oat research, we are eager to impart knowledge and new data with our health and nutrition communities through the new web page," remarks O'Shea. "Content on the website will be updated as the Center uncovers new information, and oat enthusiasts can visit to better understand how nourishing this grain can be for our health and the environment."

Visit the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence page on the website for the most recent news on oats, and be sure to check back as more information is discovered by the Center.

About The Quaker Oats Company

The Quaker Oats Company, headquartered in Chicago, is a unit of PepsiCo, Inc., one of the world's largest consumer packaged goods companies. For more than 130 years, Quaker's brands have served as symbols of quality, great taste and nutrition. Holding leadership positions in their respective categories, Quaker® Oats, Quaker® Rice Cakes and Quaker Chewy® Granola Bars are consumer favorites. For more information, please visit www.QuakerOats.com, www.Facebook.com/Quaker or follow us on Twitter @Quaker.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales.  Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world.  PepsiCo's people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo.  We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo's promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate.  For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

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SOURCE The Quaker Oats Company