Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Elects Board of Directors

CHICAGO – March 21, 2024 – The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), has elected its Board of Directors for the 2024 – 2025 cycle, which starts on September 1, 2024. IFTSA is a mission-driven organization that supports student members and chapters and aims to develop the future leaders in the science of food.

“After a highly competitive application process, we are excited to welcome our new IFT Student Association Board members. This group of accomplished students has an ideal blend of skills and experiences that perfectly represents IFT’s growing global student membership. We look forward to a very productive year as they help IFTSA reach their strategic goals,” said Christina Ginardi, Director of Academic Engagement at IFT.

Viral Shukla from Cornell University will assume the role of IFTSA Board President after serving as President-Elect, replacing current President Luuvan Hoang from Chapman University. Meanwhile, the new President-Elect will be Jana Schreuder from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Schreuder is the first President-Elect from an international institution in the history of IFTSA.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent Stellenbosch University in this journey and I am grateful for the support from academic staff in achieving this milestone for our local food science department,” said Schreuder. “I am excited to start my next chapter within the office of the president of IFT and I especially look forward to learning from the accomplished leader in the food industry that currently serve on our Board of Directors. I hope to contribute an international perspective to IFT’s diverse leadership team and play a role in expanding our global membership base over the next few years.”

Other Board of Directors members for the 2024 – 2025 slate include:

• VP of Chapter Engagement: Katelyn Boyle (Alabama A&M University)
• VP of Competitions: Chamali Kodikara (University of Manitoba)
• VP of Digital and Social Media: Paula Szymanowicz (The Pennsylvania State University)
• VP of Member Engagement: Mauricio Guerra (Cornell University)
• VP of Events and Experiences: Jenna Fryer (Oregon State University)
• Member at Large: Aviva Stein (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
• Member at Large: Josiah Muriuki (University of Pretoria, South Africa)
• Member at Large: Toyosi George (Texas A&M University)
• Member at Large: Rachel Enfield (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

“Each Board member brings their own diverse experience and leadership towards IFTSA’s goal of enriching the academic experience and empowering students to thrive in the science of food,” said Shukla, a PhD student in food science and technology where he works to transform food waste streams into value-added food products. Prior to pursuing his graduate studies at Cornell, Shukla earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology from California State Polytechnic University – Pomona.

Each Board member is invited 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 register 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]