Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Elects Chamali Kodikara from the University of Manitoba Vice President of Competitions

CHICAGO – March 22, 2024 – The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), has elected Chamali Kodikara from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, as its Vice President of Competitions. As part of her responsibilities, Kodikara 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.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to join the IFTSA Board, given my academic achievements and leadership experiences in the field of food science,” said Kodikara. “By joining the IFTSA Board, I aim to leverage my academic excellence and leadership skills to support and mentor fellow students in their academic and professional endeavors. Specifically, I hope to foster collaboration, provide educational resources, and advocate for the interests of students within the broader IFT community.”

A passionate food science leader with a proven track record in student governance, Kodikara is a graduate student in Agriculture and Agri-food, Canada and the Department of Food Science at the University of Manitoba. Her work focuses on identifying bioactive compounds in Canadian Prairie berries using advanced techniques at the Canadian Center for Agri-food Research in Health and Medicine. Kodikara is the President of the Graduate Students Association at the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba.

She has also been active throughout IFT, serving as a chair for IFTSA’s Graduate Students Video Competition at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, as well as participating in the Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods Division, International Division and the Women’s Resource Group. The Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods Division is one of 25 topical, interest-based groups at IFT. She is also serves as the student committee member for the Higher Education Review Board (HERB) in IFT.

“IFT plays a pivotal role in advancing the science of food and driving positive change within the food industry. As a global organization, IFT provides a platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge dissemination among researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and students. Through its diverse array of programs and initiatives, IFT facilitates continuous learning, networking, and professional development within the food science community,” continued Kodikara. “I believe as a student in the science of food, this is the best platform to broaden my knowledge and contribute to my community in the science of food as much as possible.”

As an IFTSA Board Member, Kodikara will have the opportunity to once again attend IFT FIRST, 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

Kodikara was also instrumental in helping the University of Manitoba become the third IFTSA chapter in Canada joining McGill University in Montreal and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

“Pursuing a career in food science is immensely rewarding due to its interdisciplinary nature and tangible impact on society. What I find most gratifying about this field is the opportunity to contribute to the development of safe, nutritious, and sustainable food products that positively impact individuals and communities. Whether through research endeavors or practical applications, the ability to address critical issues such as food security and public health is deeply fulfilling and serves as a driving force in my student career aspirations,” Kodikara concluded.

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]