Oregon State University Food Science Graduate Student Jenna Fryer Wins Graduate Research Competition at IFT FIRST

CHICAGO – August 16, 2023 – Oregon State University food science graduate student Jenna Fryer won the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) Graduate Research Competition last month at IFT FIRST for her research on “Sipping Smoke – What is the sensory impact of wildfires on wine?”. IFT FIRST is the annual event for the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system.

The Graduate Research Video competition – which featured graduate students showcasing their original research in a fun, creative, three-minute video – is sponsored by Campden BRI, a leader in global food and drink science and research. As winner, Fryer is invited for a 10-day industry visit to Campden BRI in the United Kingdom where she will have the opportunity to experience each of the major divisions of Campden BRI (science, technology, brewing, and knowledge management) and gain insight into the UK/EU perspective.

“I am so grateful to be awarded the winner of the Graduate Research Video competition and to be able to showcase my research in a new and innovative way. Thank you to Campden BRI for this award and I am excited to have the opportunity to learn and explore the European food and beverage industry,” said Fryer.

Fryer, from North Syracuse, New York, completed her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, which sparked her passion for innovative science communications. In 2019, Fryer was a member of The Ohio State University’s College Bowl team that advanced to the finals at IFT FIRST in New Orleans. She was named a 2020 Distinguished Senior at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). She is currently a Provost Fellow in Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino’s Enology lab and is a host of Inspiration Dissemination, a podcast highlighting the work of graduate students from various disciplines at Oregon State University. She plans to pursue a career as a sensory scientist in the food industry while promoting curiosity and trust in food science.

The IFTSA Achievement Award and Competition winners were recognized during the IFTSA Closing Ceremony, which was held on July 18 at McCormick Place in Chicago. IFTSA is a student-governed community of IFT members and the mission-driven organization executes programming and competitions throughout the year, supports student members and chapters, and aims to develop the leaders in the future of the science of food. Fryer currently serves as the IFTSA’s Vice President of Events and Experiences.

About Institute of Food Technologists Student Association

The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) is a student-governed community of more than 2,000 IFT members spanning 60 Chapters in 59 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/community/students.

About Institute of Food Technologists

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of approximately 12,000 individual members from more than 100 countries committed to advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from academia, government, and industry to solve the world’s greatest food challenges. IFT works to ensure that its members have the resources they need to learn, grow, and advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. IFT believes that science is essential to ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.

Media Contact

Dennis Van Milligen
Senior Manager, Public and Media Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
630-853-3022
[email protected]