The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a non-profit scientific global organisation, has announced changes to its leadership structures, including a young South African graduate student.
The IFT is an NPO committed to the advancing of the science of food and its application across the global food system, with the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) falling under its umbrella. The IFTSA is a mission-driven organisation that supports student members and chapters of the IFT and aims to develop the future leaders in the science of food.
The IFT recently announced that Viral Shukla from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York has taken over as president of the IFTSA, effective Sunday 1 September. He replaces Chapman University’s Luuvan Hoang who, like other incumbents, served a one-year term.
Jana Schreuder from Stellenbosch University (SU) has assumed the role of president-elect of IFTSA. She is the first president-elect from a non-US institution in the history of the IFTSA, and will become president of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) when her one-year term starts on 1 September 2025.
The local graduate student is currently a Harry Crossley research fellow at SU, investigating the use of near-infrared hyperspectral imaging for rapid pathogen detection as she pursues making food production systems safer, less wasteful and more effective.
Last year, she was the recipient of SU’s prestigious Rector’s Award for Excellent Achievement in the Academic Excellence category.
“I am extremely excited to be working alongside Viral and Luuvan in the IFTSA Office of the President. Viral is a strategic leader and I am excited to learn from him. I think IFTSA is in excellent hands with Viral in the presidential seat and I am excited to see what he can accomplish for our student members during his term.”
Meanwhile, Shukla is a PhD candidate in food science and technology at Cornell University, where he is working to turn food waste streams into value-added food products. At Cornell he serves as the president of the of the Food Science Product Development Club.
In his seven years as an IFT member he has served in numerous volunteer positions and has participated in multiple competitions, including the IFTSA Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Competition, the IFTSA & Mars Product Development Competition, as well as the IFTSA College Bowl.
He received his undergraduate degree in food science and technology from California State Polytechnic University and holds a degree in Culinology under the requirements of the Research Chef’s Association.
“IFT has been with me every step of my journey and has helped me grow as a scientist and leader,” said Shukla. “I look forward to shaping the future of IFTSA and ensuring that IFT is a community for all students in the science of food. You belong here at IFT.”
For more information on IFTSA, visit ift.org/community/students.
