Usha R. Palaniswamy holds a PhD in Horticulture from the University of Connecticut (USA). Her expertise is in the area of phytochemistry, plant physiology, education, and health promotion. She is currently a Project Manager at the AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center, Taiwan. Previously she served as faculty at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, Director of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Excelsior College, Albany, NY, Dean of Academic Affairs at Everglades University, FL and Associate Dean at Strayer University, FL. She is the Editor-in chief of the Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants (Taylor & Francis, USA).