College Bowl Finalists to Compete in Food Science Trivia Tournament at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo

CHICAGO – June 15, 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 the College Bowl team trivia regional winners who will compete to be champion at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, the leading food science and innovation expo being held July 12-15 in Chicago. The IFTSA College Bowl Competition features teams of four competing in an intense but fun trivia-based tournament that tests the knowledge of students in a variety of topics, including food chemistry and analysis, food laws and regulations, nutrition, and sensory science.

Since 1985, the IFTSA College Bowl Competition has tested the knowledge of student teams from across the United States. Sponsored by Nestlé Purina, the College Bowl is designed to facilitate interaction among students from different universities and provides a forum for students to engage in friendly competition. Each finalist team receives partial reimbursement for team travel and registration to IFT FIRST. First place receives $1,000 and second place receives $750. The final will be held live during the IFTSA Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, July 14. Winners of the student product development and research competitions will also be announced at the Closing Ceremony.

This year’s finalists are:

• California State Polytechnic University, Pomona: Pacific Southwest Champion (Captain: Jason Soldo)
• North Carolina State University: Central Atlantic Champion (Captain: Jane Londono)
• Rutgers University: North Atlantic Champion (Captain: Alexander Wong)
• University of Arkansas: South Central Champion (Captain: Andrew Maust)
• University of California, Davis: Pacific Northwest Champion (Captain: Elen Huang)
• University of Georgia: Southeast Champion (Captain: Sanket Vanare)
• University of Guelph: North Central Champion (Captain: Kofi Oduro)
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign: Midwest Champion (Captain: Jonathan Chen)

“Behind every breakthrough in food science is a moment of inspiration, and for many leaders in our field, that moment began in competitions like College Bowl. These experiences challenge students to think critically, work as teams, and apply science in meaningful ways. They are more than contests; they are launchpads for the talent that will drive the future of food innovation, sustainability, and safety,” said Christina Ginardi, Director of Academic Engagement at IFT.  

IFTSA members receive special student pricing to IFT FIRST and have access to an extensive library of exclusive content and resources, as well as a series of virtual and in-person networking opportunities. Learn more about joining this growing community at Become a Member.

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.

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.