Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Elects Penn State University’s Paula Szymanowicz to Board of Directors

CHICAGO – April 18, 2024 – The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), has elected Paula Szymanowicz from The Pennsylvania State University to its Board of Directors where she will serve as the Vice President of Digital and Social Media. Szymanowicz’s term will start on September 1, 2024, and last for one year.

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.

A native of Stamford, Connecticut, Szymanowicz is a food science major and agribusiness management minor in the Class of 2025. She is also the President of the Fermentation Sciences Club at Penn State and is involved in many off-campus organizations including working as a brewer’s assistant and bartender at Antifragile Brewing Company. This summer, Szymanowicz will be joining Hormel Foods as a production management intern in Hormel’s Atlanta, Georgia plant.

“IFT is an important organization to develop the future of food and food scientists alike. Members of IFT, either in regional or student chapters, are well accomplished and very open to sharing this wealth of knowledge with anyone interested,” said Szymanowicz. “Not only is there an abundance of new research and information at your fingertips, but IFT also curates program requirements and goals for future food scientists to have a solid basis of information within the field before going into industry, academia, or any other career. There are multiple opportunities to thrive within the organization and beyond, with a solid community to always be able to rely on.”

As an IFTSA Board Member, Szymanowicz 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

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]