Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Elects Cornell University’s Mauricio Guerra to Board of Directors

CHICAGO – April 16, 2024 – The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), has elected Mauricio Guerra from Cornell University Vice President of Member Engagement. Mauricio’s term on IFTSA’s Board of Directors will start on September 1, 2024, and will last for one year. He will join Cornell University classmate Viral Shukla on the IFTSA Board as Shukla, currently serving as Incoming President, will take over as Board President of IFTSA at that time.

IFTSA is a mission-driven organization that supports student members and chapters and aims to develop the leaders in the future of the science of food.

Mauricio earned his Master of Science degree in Food Technology from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and his Master of Business Administration degree from Cornell. Prior to continuing his education at Cornell, Mauricio worked as a senior merchant and product manager at Cargill Mexico. He is currently a PhD student in the Food Science department at Cornell, where his primary research interests include food product development, dairy science, and food production economics.

“I am excited to join the IFTSA Board, where I can keep advancing the sense of community and belonging for the next generation of food technologists. Our IFT and IFTSA community has to continue serving as an engagement platform where we discuss our role in addressing the most critical food-related issues in the minds of consumers,” said Guerra.

As an IFTSA Board Member, Guerra will have the opportunity to attend IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, which is being held July 14-17, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago. IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) includes the largest global food science and innovation expo with more than 1,000 exhibitors offering the latest in ingredients, food and food tech trends, food tastings, and exposure to global innovations in food.

Another highlight of the popular annual food-science event is the IFTSA Student Competitions and Awards. These include:

• IFTSA & Mars Product Development Competition
• Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Product Development Competition
• Smart Snacks for Kids Product Development Competition
• Undergraduate Research and Graduate Research Video Competitions
• College Bowl Competition
• Excellence in Undergraduate and Graduate Leadership Awards
• Chapter of the Year Award

Guerra’s passion for food product development aligns with Cornell’s rich history in this area. Last year at IFT FIRST, Cornell won the IFTSA and Mars Wrigley Product Development Competition for CaféNana, an upcycled, innovative caffeinated coffee-banana sandwich bite consisting of two chewy banana leather pieces and a creamy sunflower butter coffee filling. It was the 15th straight year Cornell had reached the finals in this competition.

To learn more or to register for IFT FIRST, go to IFT FIRST Registration.

Student members receive a discount to IFT FIRST. To learn more about becoming a student member and taking advantage of networking, education, and advocacy opportunities year-round, email [email protected].

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 over 11,000 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 innovate to advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. IFT believes that science and innovation 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
Director, Public and Media Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
630-853-3022
[email protected]