Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Elects University of Pretoria, South Africa’s Josiah Muriuki to Board of Directors

CHICAGO – April 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 Josiah Muriuki from the University of Pretoria, South Africa to its Board of Directors. Muriuki’s term will start on September 1, 2024, and last for one year. IFTSA is a mission-driven organization that supports student members and chapters and aims to develop the future leaders in the science of food.

“I am excited to join the IFTSA Board as it offers an invaluable opportunity to expand my professional network and collaborate on impactful solutions for societal challenges. I am eager to enhance my leadership skills and learn from industry experts and academic leaders within the well-structured IFT community,” said Muriuki. “During my tenure, I aim to raise awareness about the significance of intensive food research and inspire fellow students and professionals in the field, particularly in Africa.”

A Bachelor of Science Honours Food Science student at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, Muriuki is a champion of sustainable development goal 2 (zero hunger) and is very passionate about community service and leadership. In particular, he is committed to providing nutritious and affordable meals to school children in rural and marginalized areas of his home country, Kenya, through the Tule Sote Initiative. Earlier this year, Muriuki hosted a Career Mentorship Day in Kirinyaga County, Kenya, that included a day of talks and sessions as he positively impacted more than 200 high school and college students from his community.

“Pursuing a career in food science resonates with my passion for addressing critical societal issues. As a first-generation African Scholar, I am dedicated to finding solutions to hunger. Studying food science equips me with the knowledge and skills needed to create sustainable solutions for my community, and I look forward to further learning and collaboration within the IFT community,” Muriuki continued.

As an IFTSA Board Member, Muriuki 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. These 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 or to learn more about IFT FIRST, go to www.iftevent.org.

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 membershipinfo@ift.org.

“IFT holds a pivotal role in shaping the future of food by fostering research and innovation to address global challenges like hunger. By uniting scientists across generations, IFT serves as a hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the food industry. The organization plays a critical role in advancing food science and technology to meet the world’s most fundamental need – food security,” Muriuki concluded.

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
dvanmilligen@ift.org