Former University of Guelph Food Science Student Wanxin (Maggie) Xue Wins Excellence in Leadership Award at IFT FIRST

CHICAGO – August 28, 2023 – Former University of Guelph food science student Wanxin (Maggie) Xue won the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) Excellence in Leadership Award (Undergraduate) last month 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.

The Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes an undergraduate student member of IFT who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in their execution of student activities that furthers the mission of IFT.

Originally from China, Xue recently completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, where she served as the president of the Food Science Club. Her initiatives as president included organizing club events that fostered strong bonds among students and facilitated connections with the industry, while establishing a meaningful tradition of gifting the graduate class with personalized golden spoons.

Xue also gained valuable experience as a research assistant in her first year. She also served as an intern at Trophy Food where she focused on product development and quality assurance, while also serving as a policy analyst at Health Canada where she contributed to sensory projects. From there, Xue led a team in developing teaching materials for an alternative protein course while also winning first place in a student entrepreneurship competition for the innovative Duckweed Spent Grain Chip.

“Receiving the prestigious IFTSA Student Competition Excellence in Leadership Award is a testament to the invaluable support I've received throughout my academic and leadership endeavors. This achievement reaffirms my dedication to making a meaningful difference in the foodie community while striving for greater contributions in the future,” said Xue. “I hope this will inspire my fellow students at the University of Guelph to embrace the IFT community, further supporting our shared aspirations to drive innovation in the food industry.”

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]