Designed to showcase outstanding research at the undergraduate level, this competition seeks students engaged in independent research who are interested in presenting at the IFT Annual Event. Finalists will have the opportunity to network with industry and academic members.
2024-2025 Winners
- First Place: Joshua Cruz-Noguera, University of Costa Rica
- Second Place: Hazel Calis, The Ohio State University
- Third Place: Elizabeth Cathey, University of Tennessee
Awards
All finalists will be awarded a $600 travel and registration stipend to attend IFT FIRST. Winners will be announced at the IFTSA Closing Ceremony.
- First Place: $1,000
- Second Place: $750
- Third Place: $500
Eligibility
Any student member of IFT who is an undergraduate student. Work must have been done individually as an undergraduate. For complete details, consult the guidelines document for this competition.
2025-2026 Competition Submission and Guidelines
Applications for this competition close April 15, 2026.
Sample Verification Letter (PDF)
Competition Chair
Shivaprasad Doddabematti Prakash, Kansas State University