CHICAGO — The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) announced that Viral Shukla has taken over as president of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA). Shukla is replacing Chapman University’s Luuvan Hoang, who will now serve as IFTSA’s immediate past president.
Shukla is a PhD candidate at Cornell University where he is working to turn food waste streams into value-added food products. He currently serves as the president of the Food Science Product Development Club at Cornell.
“I look forward to shaping the future of IFTSA and ensuring that IFT is a community for all students in the science of food.” — Viral Shukla | president | Institute of Food Technologists Student Association
With seven years as an IFT member under his belt, Shukla has experience serving in several volunteer positions and has participated in multiple competitions.
“IFT has been with me every step of my journey and has helped me grow as a scientist and leader,” Shukla said. “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.”
Shukla will hold the position for a one-year term before being succeeded by Jana Schreduer, who has entered the role of IFTSA president-elect. Schreduer is from Stellenbosch University in South Africa and is the first president-elect from a non-US institution.
“I am extremely excited to be working alongside Viral and Luuvan in the IFTSA Office of the President,” Schreuder said. “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.”
