Jennifer Willig - Past President, IFTSA
Originally from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Jennifer attended the University of Kentucky and became an IFT student member in 2003. Upon graduating with a B.S. in Food Science in 2006, Jennifer moved to Columbus, Ohio to attend The Ohio State University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Food Science and Nutrition in 2009. While at The Ohio State University, Jennifer took on a leadership role in The Ohio State University Food Science Club, where she served as the Food Science Club Treasurer from 2007-2008. Jennifer also became active on the IFTSA Board of Directors where she held the IFTSA Vice President of Membership Experiences position from 2008-2009. Today, Jennifer is working towards her Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky with a research focus in food safety. Jennifer is the current IFTSA Vice President of Finance and the University of Kentucky Food Science Club Event Coordinator. She has attended IFT Leadership events such as the Strategic Leadership Forum in 2009 and the IFT Health and Wellness Conference in 2009. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends and family, working out and attending live music events.
As IFTSA President Elect, I would like to see an increase in professional and student membership. Particularly, I would like to see an increase in the membership of young professionals. As IFTSA President Elect, I would also like to see an increase in engaging workshops for students at the annual meeting. I believe workshops that contribute to skill building in the areas of resumes, job interviewing skills and grant writing could be highly beneficial to student members. Lastly, I would like to IFTSA engaging in more philanthropic work; both within the United States and across the world. Specifically, I would like to see IFTSA educating young people about healthy eating habits and contributing to world-wide alleviation of hunger.