CHICAGO — The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association, a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists recently announced that its next Board of Directors has been elected, headlined by IFTSA President-elect Janine Merkle.
A native of Chaska, Minn., Merkle holds a Bachelor’s degree in food science and technology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is pursuing a Master’s degree in food science at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park. Merkle is a member of IFT’s Keystone Section and several IFT Divisions and has been a fixture at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo in recent years, competing in the finals of the College Bowl for the University of Nebraska while also serving as chair of the IFTSA Smart Snacks for Kids Product Development Competition.
Effective Sept. 1, Merkle will officially assume her new role when current IFTSA President Jana Schreuder transitions to IFTSA Immediate Past President and current IFTSA President-elect Chamali Kodikara takes over as IFTSA President.
She is also the daughter of former IFT board member Jonathan Merkle, PhD, Chief Science Officer and Vice President of Science and Technology for Michael Foods, Inc. Her connection to IFT dates back to age 7 when she attended her first IFT function to support her father receiving IFT’s highest honor — being named an IFT Fellow — in 2010.
