Dr. Derris D. Burnett is a distinguished meat scientist and muscle biologist currently serving as the Department Head of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Tuskegee University. In this role, he oversees academic programs and research initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Burnett utilizes a conception–to–consumption approach to meat animal research and outreach and is recognized as a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for small and medium sized processors involved in the farm-direct meat industry in the Southeast. In addition to his formal teaching responsibilities in meat science and growth physiology, his experience includes providing processing and marketing avenues for local meat animal producers. Dr. Burnett has also developed a mobile fabrication demonstration concept used to educate aspiring students, and small and limited resource farmers on ways to add value and profitability to their meat animal operations through retained ownership and direct marketing. These efforts have led to his adjunct employment and recent appointment as the Director of the Tuskegee University Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA) and end-user consultant on the construction of a 18,000 ft2 USDA inspected red meat processing facility on the historic Tuskegee University campus.