Shaping the Future Through Connection and Community

Throughout history, the food system has been shaped by generations of thought leaders whose impact and influence continue to resonate today, including the late Dennis Heldman, a food engineering legend who passed away in April.

Food community visionaries like Dr. Heldman have contributed to groundbreaking discoveries in food safety, preservation, nutrition, and technology, propelling the food system forward and improving lives around the world. At IFT, we have the privilege of convening, supporting, and celebrating these brilliant minds, as well as those who aspire to one day make their own mark.

Just a couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of attending the IFT Kansas City Section Annual Meeting at Kansas State University. During the event, scholarship awards were presented to four outstanding and inspiring students: Bindu Naraharasetti, Roselle Barretto, Jared Rivera, and Shiva Prasad. Each of these students exemplifies the future of our field—pursuing bold ideas, conducting innovative research, and demonstrating a deep commitment to making a lasting impact on the global food system.

Roselle, for example, grew up in the Philippines, where his father worked as a fisherman. Without access to refrigeration, Roselle became interested in food preservation—an early curiosity that evolved into a passion for the science of food. Through his academic journey and IFT experiences, he’s gaining the tools, knowledge, and connections that he will one day bring back home to help address the very challenges his family faced. His story is a reminder of how a single spark of curiosity can grow into something truly transformative when supported by the right community.

Present at the award ceremony were Roselle’s faculty mentors, longtime food scientists, and members of the Kansas City Section who are actively involved in the industry—people who could help him turn his vision into reality. While accepting his award, Roselle spoke about the profound impact his mentors have had on his academic path, and how their guidance has shaped his research and sense of purpose within the food system.

Impact and influence don’t happen in isolation, but grow through connection and community.

Christopher R. Daubert

President, IFT

That moment was a powerful reminder of what IFT is all about—cultivating impact and influence through connection. When people come together—across generations, disciplines, and backgrounds—they create a ripple effect that moves the entire profession forward.

I remember experiencing this firsthand when I first got involved with IFT as a student in the early/mid 1990s. Presenting my research at the annual meeting, I was surrounded by legends in food engineering—people whose work I had admired from afar, like Dr. Heldman. To me, Dr. Heldman wasn’t just a well-respected figure in food engineering; he was my academic great-grandfather! He was the PhD advisor to my advisor’s (James Steffe) advisor (Paul Singh), which meant his influence reached far and wide, shaping the careers of countless food engineers. What struck me most was how approachable he was: Despite his extensive impact on the field, he always took the time to ask about my research and offer thoughtful advice. His generosity in sharing his wisdom and direction set a high bar of excellence that raised the scholarly profile of food engineering. Those moments of guidance and encouragement led to lasting mentorships and friendships that continue to shape my career today.

Since then, IFT has remained a constant in my life. What started as a student experience has grown into a lifelong relationship with a community committed to progress.

That’s why IFT FIRST holds such a special place in my heart. It was a turning point for me—and for countless others who found inspiration, built connections, and discovered new paths forward at the annual gathering.

To Learn More About IFT FIRST please visit first.iftevent.org/event

As we prepare to gather in Chicago this July, I hope you’ll fully immerse yourself in the experience—attend the sessions and take time to connect with the people around you. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, there’s something uniquely energizing about being in a space where ideas are shared freely and relationships take root.

IFT FIRST is where meaningful conversations happen, where new collaborations begin, and where we recognize the individuals whose work is shaping the future of food. I’m especially looking forward to honoring this year’s award winners and Fellows, whose dedication and leadership reflect the very best of our profession.

It’s in these moments of coming together that the true spirit of IFT shines—reminding us that impact and influence don’t happen in isolation, but grow through connection and community.ft