CHICAGO – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, honored the recipients of IFT’s Achievement Awards and the 2025 class of IFT Fellows at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, the annual food research, science, and technology event that was held July 13-16 in Chicago.
Being elected as an IFT Fellow or receiving an IFT Achievement Award are considered among the highest honors awarded across the science of food community. Achievement Award winners and Fellows were honored at two dedicated ceremonies that took place on Sunday, July 13.
“It was an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals at IFT FIRST this year,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. “Their work exemplifies the power of applying expertise to real-world challenges, and their contributions are helping to drive innovation, inspire collaboration, and advance a more sustainable global food system.”
This year’s Achievement Award recipients are:
- Mark Barenie (Institute of Food Technologists), received the Distinguished Service Award in honor of Calvert L. Willey, which honors a leader whose dedication has supported the growth and success of IFT, reinforcing its positive and influential role in the global food system.
- Kanika Bhargava, PhD (University of Central Oklahoma), received the Excellence in Education Award in honor of William V. Cruess, awarded in partnership with the Northern California Section of IFT, which honors an individual who has demonstrated excellence in teaching science of food disciplines, contributing significantly to the education and development of future leaders in the field.
- Martha Cassens (ACH Food Companies) received the Distinguished Career Award in honor of Carl R. Fellers, sponsored by Phi Tau Sigma, which honors an individual who has brought distinguished recognition to the science of food community through a career of exemplary contributions to academia, industry, government, or other fields.
- Levente Diosady, PhD, P.Eng. (University of Toronto) received the Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of Nicolas Appert, awarded in partnership with the Chicago Section of IFT, which honors an individual who has demonstrated lifetime contributions to the science of food.
- Robert Gravani, PhD (Cornell University) received the Outstanding Partnership Award in honor of Myron Solberg, sponsored by the Myron Solberg Endowment Fund of Feeding Tomorrow, which honors an individual who has demonstrated excellence and leadership abilities leading to the successful development or sustenance of a cooperative organization.
- David Lundahl (Insights Now, Inc.), received the Sensory & Consumer Sciences Achievement Award, awarded in partnership with the Sensory and Consumer Sciences Division of IFT, which honors an individual who has demonstrated distinguished leadership and research within the field of sensory and consumer sciences, contributing to a broader understanding of consumer behavior and preferences that drive innovations shaping the future of the global food system.
- Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, PhD (South Dakota State University), received the International Food Security Award in honor of Bor S. Luh, sponsored by the Bor S. Luh Endowment of the Feeding Tomorrow Fund, which honors an individual or team whose research has made substantial advancements in how foods can be manufactured and made available to meet the nutritional needs and food preferences of people living in emerging economies in a manner that is cost-effective for both consumers and manufacturers.
- Prateek Sharma, PhD (Utah State University) received the Outstanding Young Scientist Award in honor of Samuel Cate Prescott, which honors an individual who has provided significant, early-career research contributions that advance the science of food and positions them as an emerging leader prepared to make an impact on the global food system.
- Fidel Toldrá, PhD (Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos), received the Research & Development Award, which honors groundbreaking R&D work that has made a substantial impact on the global food system, in alignment with IFT’s vision of improving food for everyone.
- Purnendu C. Vasavada, PhD (University of Wisconsin-River Falls and PCV & Associates, LLC) received the Humanitarian Award for Service to the Science of Food in honor of Elizabeth Fleming Stier, sponsored by the New York Section of IFT, which honors an individual who has demonstrated the pursuit of humanitarian ideals and unselfish dedication to the food industry, academia, students, and/or the general public.
- Meijun Zhu, PhD (Washington State University), received the Achievements in Microbial Research for Food Safety in honor of Gerhard J. Haas, sponsored by the Gerhard J. Haas Endowment Fund of Feeding Tomorrow, which honors an individual who has demonstrated innovative research in microbial aspects of food safety assurance.
Here is the 2025 Class of IFT Fellows:
- Eva Almenar, PhD (Michigan State University)
- Maria Leonora Lotis Francisco, PhD (University of the Philippines, Diliman)
- Jung H. Han, PhD (Purdue University and Unlimeat, Inc.)
- Soo-Yeun Lee, PhD (Washington State University)
- Marleny D.A. Saldaña, PhD (University of Alberta)
- Subramaniam Sathivel, PhD (Louisiana State University)
“Becoming an IFT Fellow is among the highest honors in the field of food science,” said IFT Board President Christopher Daubert, PhD. “This honor celebrates those who have made a lasting impact through significant service, scholarship, leadership, and contributions to IFT and the profession. Their induction as Fellows represents a recognition not just of what they’ve accomplished—but of how they’ve elevated our discipline.”
Learn more about the Achievement Award winners and Fellows.
About Institute of Food Technologists
Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.
