Viral Shukla from Cornell University Named President of IFT Student Association

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, announced that Viral Shukla from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., has taken over as president of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), effective Sept. 1. He replaces Chapman University’s Luuvan Hoang, who has moved into the role of IFTSA Immediate Past President. Each president serves a one-year term.

Shukla is a Ph.D. candidate in food science and technology at Cornell University, where he is working to turn food waste streams into value-added food products. At Cornell, he serves as the president of the of the Food Science Product Development Club. In his seven years as an IFT member, he has served in numerous volunteer positions and has participated in multiple competitions, including the IFTSA Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Competition, the IFTSA & Mars Product Development Competition and the IFTSA College Bowl.

He received his undergraduate degree in food science and technology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (where he was recognized as Leader of the Year by the Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture) and holds a degree in Culinology under the requirements of the Research Chef’s Association.

“IFT has been with me every step of my journey and has helped me grow as a scientist and leader. 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,” said Shukla.

Meanwhile, Jana Schreuder from Stellenbosch University in South Africa has assumed the role of IFTSA president-elect and will become IFT president when her one-year term starts on Sept. 1, 2025. She is the first president-elect from a non-U.S. institution in the history of the IFTSA. A graduate student, Schreuder is currently a Harry Crossley research fellow at Stellenbosch investigating the use of near-infrared hyperspectral imaging for rapid pathogen detection as she pursues making food production systems safer, less wasteful and more effective.

In 2023, she was the recipient of Stellenbosch University’s prestigious Rector’s Award for Excellent Achievement in the Academic Excellence category.

“I am extremely excited to be working alongside Viral and Luuvan in the IFTSA Office of the President. Viral is a strategic leader and I am excited to learn from him,” said Schreuder. “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.” 

For more information on IFTSA, go to ift.org/community/students.