Clemson University Food Science Team Wins College Bowl at IFT FIRST

CHICAGO – August 23, 2023 – Clemson University won the College Bowl Competition at IFT FIRST, 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.

Since 1985, the IFTSA College Bowl Competition has tested the knowledge of student teams from across the United States in the following areas: food science and technology, the history of foods and food processing, food law, and general IFT/food-related trivia. The College Bowl is designed to facilitate interaction among students from different universities and provides a forum for students to engage in friendly competition. Teams for IFTSA Student Chapters participated in regional competitions within eight geographical areas, then the winning regional teams took part in a final competition live at IFT FIRST.

The Clemson team, which won the College Bowl for the first time in school history, consisted of the following:

• Vishal Manjunatha – Team Captain (Bangalore, India)
• Ian Smith (Wheaton, Illinois)
• Luis Ruvalcaba (Aiken, South Carolina)
• Saralyn Caldwell (Sterling, Virginia)
• Robina Rai (Assam, India)
• Emma Mullane (Charleston, South Carolina)
• Emily Reichard (Harrisonburg, Virginia)
• Deb Hutchins (St. George, Utah)

“Competing against brilliant minds from renowned universities, we showcased our unwavering passion for food science, exemplified our knowledge, dedication, and outstanding teamwork. Winning this highly competitive event fills us with immense pride,” said Manjunatha. “We want to express our sincere appreciation to the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association for providing an exceptional platform that encourages and nurtures young talent in the food science community. Opportunities like these motivate us to continuously strive for excellence and contribute to the advancement of our field.”

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.

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]