Chapman at IFT 2014 New Orleans

Great job at the 2014 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo everyone! Shout out to this year’s College Bowl team that took us to Nationals and did an amazing job! Although we didn’t win, first place winners from Penn State was led by team captain Latha Murugesan, an alumna of Chapman!

Top row: Tara Okuma, Dr. Lilian Were, Jessica Sambuco,
Erin Young, Brendan Wong
Bottom row: Jessica Hallstrom, Crystal Lin

Additional recognition for all those who participated in research competitions, presented posters, gave oral presentations and/or received an award!

Kimberlee Au
Research: "The Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging,
Irradiation, and Methyl Bromide Fumigation on the
Quality and Shelf Life of Sweet Cherries" (Fruit & Vegetable Products Division)

Jessica Hallstrom
Received a certificate as a finalist in the "Excellence in
Student Leadership Award" and was selected as an
"Outstanding Volunteer for SCiftS"

Donna Levy
Research: "Microbial Safety of Fresh Herbs from
Los Angeles,Orange County, and
Seattle Farmers' Markets" 
(Food & Microbiology Division)

Crystal Lin
Research: "Antioxidant Capacity of Ground Coffee
in Raw Ground Beef with Added Salt"
(Muscle Foods Division)
Graduate Poster Competition Finalist
Recognized by Phi Tau Sigma for Excellence in Scientific Research

Tara Okuma
Research: "Identification of Meat Species in Pet Foods using
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assay"
(Muscle Foods Division)
Undergraduate Research Competition Finalist

Karen Thang
Research: "The Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging,
Gamma Irradiation, and Methyl Bromide Fumigation on
the Chemical, Physical, and Sensory Quality of Blueberries"
(Fruit & Vegetable Products Division)

Why You Should Go to IFT!

Hey everyone!

For those of you that went to the 2014 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo (AFME) this year I hope you enjoyed your trip and have fully recovered from an amazing experience! For those that did not get a chance to go this year I hope you are able to make it to IFT in 2015 where it will be held in Chicago from July 11 - July 14.

It's a great time to support our fellow classmates presenting their research, our college bowl team and represent Chapman University. The IFT AMFE offers everyone the chance to walk the floor and see innovative products and trends for the upcoming year and get an idea of specific areas within the industry you may want to work. When you get tired of walking the floor you can take advantage of the numerous scientific sessions offered which are not only informative, but a great way to learn about interesting topics, trends and technologies. This year's sessions included discussions on 3D food printing, the science of flavor pairing, the perception of consumers on azodicarbonamide and so much more!

If the above reasons were not enough to convince you to attend IFT, here's one more, come to network! The Institute of Food Technologists goes through great lengths to set up mixers and networking events whether it be for students, new professionals or specific divisions. I encourage everyone to come prepared with business attire, business cards and a social attitude. It's a great time to meet professionals and connect with other food scientists regardless of if you are looking for a job.

Still not convinced? Check out pictures from this year's trip to New Orleans, LA (to be posted soon)! It was a blast! Check the blog in a few days where I will be posting a few pictures in honor of our college bowl team, student research and awards received!

Thanks for tuning in!
- Charles Quinto