IFT Salutes 2025 Fellows and Achievement Award Winners

Each year, IFT honors individuals whose careers exemplify excellence in the science of food. At the 2025 IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo in July, six new Fellows and 11 Achievement Award winners were recognized for their groundbreaking work and lasting contributions to food safety, product development, education, humanitarian service, and more.

“These honorees reflect not only the multidisciplinarity of the profession but also the shared values that unite food scientists worldwide—curiosity, commitment, and a drive to improve lives through science,” said IFT President Christopher Daubert. From a lifelong educator in the Philippines to a product innovator in North America and a food packaging expert in Europe, this year’s winners span the globe and the food system.

We asked each of them to reflect on what the recognition means to them, their proudest achievements, and the moments that have defined their IFT journeys. Their responses reveal a deep sense of purpose, rooted in research, teaching, leadership, and service, and a profound appreciation for the IFT community.

Meet the 2025 IFT Fellows and Achievement Award winners—trailblazers whose work is shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable global food future.

What does winning this award mean to you?

 

 

 

 

Fidel Toldrá, PhD

Research Professor, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos, Valencia, Spain

Research & Development Award

“It is recognition by my peers of all the time devoted to my work and its contribution to food science; it encourages me to continue my research with more determination.”

 

Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, PhD

Distinguished Professor, South Dakota State University

International Food Security Award in honor of Bor S. Luh

“It is validation of my professional contribution for the benefit of food science.”

Purnendu C. Vasavada, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Food Science, University of Wisconsin–River Falls; Managing Member, PCV & Associates

Humanitarian Award for Service to the Science of Food in honor of Elizabeth Fleming Stier

“Dr. Elizabeth Stier was a strong advocate for students at Rutgers. My career and work has focused on education, especially undergraduate students, so this award means a great deal to me.”

Mark Barenie, CPA

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at IFT

Distinguished Service Award in honor of Calvert L. Willey

“It means everything and highlights my 32-year career at IFT. It’s extra special since I will be retiring this summer.”

Levente Diosady, PhD, P.Eng.

Professor Emeritus of Food Engineering, University of Toronto

Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of Nicolas Appert

“It is a wonderful recognition of a career that started without any formal training in food sciences.”

Eva Almenar, PhD

Professor, Michigan State University

Fellow

“It means a lot because it is peer recognition of my contributions to advancing the field of food science, specifically food packaging.”

To learn more about the 2025 IFT Fellows, please visit content.ift.org/2025-IFT-fellows.

What was your most impactful moment at IFT?

Robert Gravani, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Food Science, Cornell University
Outstanding Partnership Award in honor of Myron Solberg

“My most impactful moment was the year I served as president of this great international organization.”

Maria Leonora Lotis Francisco, PhD

Professor of Food Science and Technology, University of the Philippines, Diliman

Fellow

“The moment I realized that even as a member based in the Philippines, I could meaningfully contribute through volunteer opportunities and global initiatives—proof that IFT truly values and empowers its international members.”

Meijun Zhu, PhD

Professor of Food Safety, Washington State University
Achievements in Microbial Research for Food Safety in honor of Gerhard J. Haas

“My most impactful moment was presenting my research at IFT FIRST, where I engaged with leading experts and industry representatives, received valuable feedback, and fostered meaningful collaborations.”

What are you most proud of in your career?

Soo-Yeun Lee, PhD

Professor and Director of the School of Food Science, Washington State University

Fellow

“I’m proud of all my students, from the undergraduates who took my courses to graduate students whom I advised. I’m proud of their very successful careers in food science and the significant positive contributions they are making to our food system.”

Jung H. Han, PhD

Chief Technology Officer at Unlimeat; Adjunct Associate Professor, Purdue University

Fellow

“Serving as a scientific editor for the Journal of Food Science.”

Martha Cassens, MS

Vice President of Product Innovation, Development, and Quality, ACH Food Companies

Distinguished Career Award in honor of Carl R. Fellers

“One of the most satisfying achievements in my career has been the opportunity to collaborate with talented teams to develop innovative solutions and products. Working together to overcome challenges and bring new products to market has been incredibly rewarding.”

Marleny D. A. Saldaña, PhD

Professor of Food/Bio-Engineering Processing, University of Alberta, Canada

Fellow

“Seeing my graduate and undergraduate students grow and achieve their goals has been the greatest reward of my career.”

Kanika Bhargava, PhD

Professor, University of Central Oklahoma

Excellence in Education Award in honor of William V. Cruess

“I’m most proud of the meaningful relationships I’ve built with my students and the lasting impact I’ve had on their learning and growth. Seeing former students succeed, return with gratitude, or express how something they learned in my class shaped their path—that’s incredibly fulfilling.”

To Learn more about the 2025 IFT Achievement Award winners, please visit content.ift.org/2025-IFT-awards.

What does being an IFT member mean to you?

Subramaniam Sathivel, PhD

Professor, Louisiana State University

Fellow

“Being an IFT member for 25 years has been one of the most valuable aspects of my career. The networking opportunities have connected me with academics, industry leaders, and government professionals, greatly enriching my professional journey.”

David Lundahl, PhD

CEO and Founder, InsightsNow

Sensory & Consumer Sciences Achievement Award

“Having the opportunity to build lasting friendships and network with others to build a safer, healthier, and happier world.”

Prateek Sharma, PhD

Associate Professor of Dairy Technology and Director of the Western Dairy Center, Utah State University

Outstanding Young Scientist Award in honor of Samuel Cate Prescott

“Being an IFT member means being part of a global community of professionals who are passionate about advancing the science of food and feeding the world. It reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of food innovation, safety, sustainability, and technology.”ft