Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Elects New Board of Directors

CHICAGO – April 17, 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 its next Board of Directors have been elected, headlined by IFTSA President-elect Janine Merkle. Effective September 1, 2026, Merkle will officially assume her new role when current IFTSA President Jana Schreuder transitions to IFTSA Immediate Past President and current IFTSA President-elect Chamali Kodikara takes over as IFTSA President.

“I am incredibly proud of the student leaders who serve on the IFTSA Board of Directors. They reflect the future of the food system and that future is bright,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “I’m also excited to welcome another outstanding group this fall, who will build on the momentum generated by their predecessors and bring fresh ideas as they help shape the next generation of food science leaders.”

A native of Chaska, Minnesota, Merkle holds a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is pursuing a master’s degree in food science at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania.  Merkle is a member of IFT’s Keystone Section and several IFT Divisions and has been a fixture at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo in recent years, competing 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.

She is also the daughter of former IFT Board member 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. Janine Merkle describes how that moment impacted her education and career journey in the latest Brain Food Blog.

Merkle will start her term as IFTSA President on September 1, 2027.

“I am incredibly honored to be elected as IFTSA President-elect and very grateful for the support of my advisors, family, and the community of the Food Science Department at Penn State,” said Merkle. “Throughout my journey as a student, IFT and IFTSA have provided me with a community where I could grow as a student, researcher, scientist, and leader through a myriad of opportunities and, alongside the IFTSA Board of Directors, I look forward to making those opportunities more attainable and applicable for students around the world.” 

Other newly elected IFTSA Board members:

• Rania Buenavista, Kansas State University (VP of Chapter Engagement)
• Felicitas Tuku Ewunsoh, Purdue University (VP of Competitions)
• Erica Tobing, Purdue University (VP of Digital and Social Media)
• Nirmal Thirunavookarasu Sankaranarayanan, Tennessee State University (VP of Membership Engagement)
• Stefhanie Loaiza Sanchez, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (VP of Events and Experiences)
• Parker Parker, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts
• Niel van Heerden, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
• Sophia Sapp, University of Missouri-Columbia
• Kaira Sidhwa, North Carolina State University

Learn more about IFTSA.

IFTSA and IFT members have access to an extensive library of exclusive content and resources, as well as a series of virtual and in-person networking opportunities—plus members receive a healthy discount to the world’s most popular food science, research, and technology event, IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo. Learn more about joining this growing community at ift.org/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. For more information, visit ift.org/advance-your-career/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.