University of Manitoba’s Chamali Kodikara Takes Over as President of Institute of Food Technologists Student Association

CHICAGO – September 3, 2026 – The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), is proud to announce that Chamali Kodikara from the University of Manitoba in Canada has taken over as president of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) effective September 1, 2026. She will be joined in the Office of the President by IFTSA President-elect Janine Ganshorn from The Pennsylvania State University. Kodikara replaces Stellenbosch University’s Jana Schreuder, who transitions into the role of immediate past president. Each president serves a one-year term.

Chamali Kodikara is a PhD student and a Vanier Scholar at the University of Manitoba. Her work focuses on detecting ergot alkaloids in wheat and using cold plasma processing to combat mycotoxins. She was also president of the Food and Human Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Association and helped establish the University of Manitoba IFTSA Chapter, the third Canadian Chapter in IFTSA history.

“I am deeply honored to serve as IFTSA president and represent a community of passionate students and emerging professionals who are shaping the future of food. IFTSA has played a transformative role in my journey, providing opportunities to develop as a leader, researcher, and advocate for food science,” said Kodikara. “As president, I am excited to give back to the organization that has given me so much by supporting student engagement, strengthening our global community, and ensuring every member has the tools and experiences needed to thrive as future leaders in the global food system.”

The Sri Lanka native previously served as the Vice President of Competitions for IFTSA as well as a chair for the IFTSA Graduate Research Video Competition. Additionally, Kodikara is a part of several IFT membership groups including the Food Safety & Quality Management Division, the Product Development Division, the International Division, as well as the Women’s Resource Group.

“Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to see Chamali’s leadership firsthand and the thoughtful perspective and genuine passion she brings to conversations,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “IFTSA reaches students around the world, and its leaders play an important role in shaping how those students connect with the profession and begin to see themselves as leaders within it. I’m excited to continue working with Chamali in this new role and to welcome Janine as president-elect. Together, they will help prepare the next generation of food science leaders who will shape the future of our food system.”

A native of Chaska, Minnesota, Janine Ganshorn holds a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is pursuing her doctoral research degree (PhD) at Penn State. Ganshorn has competed in the finals of the College Bowl for the University of Nebraska while also serving as chair of the IFTSA Smart Snacks for Kids Product Development Competition at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo. Ganshorn also recently captained Penn State’s Mars Wrigley product development competition team that competed in the finals at IFT FIRST, which was held last July in Chicago.

She is also the daughter of former IFT Board member and IFTSA president Jonathan Merkle, PhD, Chief Science Officer and Vice President of Science and Technology for Michael Foods, Inc. Her connection to IFT dates back to seven years old when she attended her first IFT function to support her father receiving IFT’s highest honor—being named an IFT Fellow—in 2010. Ganshorn describes how that moment impacted her education and career journey in this Brain Food Blog.

Ganshorn will start her term as IFTSA president on September 1, 2027.

“IFT has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and many of the opportunities that have shaped my personal and professional journey have come through this incredible community,” said Ganshorn. “I am honored to serve as president-elect and look forward to working with students to expand opportunities for engagement, foster a strong and inclusive community, and help prepare the next generation of food scientists to make a lasting impact on the future of food.”

Learn more about IFTSA.

About Institute of Food Technologists Student Association

The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) is a student-governed community of more than 2,300 IFT members spanning 65 Chapters in 60 countries. IFTSA’s vision of a global community of inspired and informed students who are prepared for a future in food drives its mission to enrich the academic experience and empower students to thrive individually and together. To prepare the future and celebrate the community, IFTSA provides opportunities beyond the classroom and lab, grows student networks to facilitate meaningful and lasting connections, as well as includes and promotes diverse perspectives and backgrounds to foster a culture of belonging. For more information, visit ift.org/students.

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.