Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Elects Alabama A&M University’s Katelyn Boyle Vice President of Chapter Engagement

CHICAGO – April 4, 2024 – The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), has elected Katelyn Boyle from Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama, as its Vice President of Chapter Engagement. As part of her responsibilities, Boyle will serve on the IFTSA Board of Directors for one year starting on September 1, 2024.

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.

Originally from Warner Robins, Georgia, Boyle is a PhD candidate in Alabama A&M’s Department of Food and Animal Sciences under the guidance of Martha Verghese, PhD, where she is majoring in food science with a concentration in nutritional biochemistry. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in food science in 2022 and her Master of Science degree in food science in 2023 from Alabama A&M University. She currently serves as Alabama A&M University’s IFTSA vice president and served as its president during the 2022-2023 academic year.

A passionate advocate for the wellbeing of children and adolescents, Boyle strives to continue doing research on chronic diseases that affect children, such as her current work on researching the potential anti-oxidative and anti-obesity effects of two underutilized food ingredients that can help create a functional snack product for children and aid in the prevention of childhood obesity.

“I am ecstatic to be joining the IFTSA Board of Directors as the Vice President of Chapter Engagement where I will be able to connect and engage with many chapter leaders to help them improve their chapters and ensure the satisfaction of their student body. I have always had a passion for connecting with people and helping them in any I can, especially in the area of health and nutrition. Since discovering the amazing world of food science, pursuing a career in this field is a great way to reach and benefit many people across the country,” said Boyle. “IFT has been a great organization to be a part of by providing many great networking opportunities and research forums, while being a part of IFTSA has helped shape me into the food scientists and leader that I am today.”

As an IFTSA Board Member, Boyle 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, which 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 and receive an early bird discount, 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]