Jana Schreuder from Stellenbosch University Takes Over as President of Institute of Food Technologists Student Association
September 10, 2025 | 8 min to read
In September 2025, Jana Schreuder from Stellenbosch University became the first non-U.S. president of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), succeeding Viral Shukla. A PhD student in Food Science, her research focuses on using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging for rapid pathogen detection. Schreuder aims to enhance global student community engagement and innovation in food science, marking a historic moment for diversity and inclusion in leadership within IFTSA.
CHICAGO –– The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), is proud to announce that Jana Schreuder from Stellenbosch University in South Africa has taken over as President of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) effective September 1, 2025. She replaces Cornell University’s Viral Shukla, who has moved into the role of IFTSA Immediate Past President. Each president serves a one-year term.
Schreuder, who is the first IFTSA President from a non-U.S. institution, is a PhD student at Stellenbosch University studying Food Science with a focus on Vibrational Spectroscopy & Chemometrics. Previously, she earned her undergraduate degree in Food Science from Stellenbosch. Schreuder holds a Harry Crossley scholarship and is investigating the use of near-infrared hyperspectral imaging for rapid pathogen detection. She is passionate about the food industry, specifically the development of new technology that will ultimately make food production systems safer, less wasteful, and more effective.
In 2023, she was one of the recipients of Stellenbosch’s prestigious Rector’s Award for Excellent Achievement in the Academic Excellence category. She was also recently recognized as one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, an award that celebrates the achievements of young South Africans across various fields.
“I’m incredibly honored to take on this role and to represent both South Africa and the Department of Food Science at Stellenbosch University on a global stage. It’s especially meaningful that as I begin my term as IFTSA President, my department head, Professor Gunnar Sigge, will also step into the role of IFT President-elect, truly a proud moment for our University,” said Schreuder. “I still remember discovering IFT’s website as an undergrad, scrolling through photos of past student leaders and thinking, ‘I don’t think these positions are for someone like me.’ I worried that being international might be a barrier, but instead, IFT welcomed me and valued my perspective. That speaks volumes about its openness and commitment to global inclusion.
“As President, I hope to build on the momentum of those who came before me, strengthen our student community, and help shape a more connected and collaborative future for the science of food,” Schreuder continued.
In addition to her responsibilities as President, Schreuder also served as a Student Representative for IFT’s International Division since 2023, which promotes international scientific communication and technology transfer. She also served as chair of the Food Science Association at Stellenbosch. Under her leadership, Stellenbosch competed for the first time in the IFTSA College Bowl. Schreuder was also integral in establishing Stellenbosch as an official IFTSA Chapter.
“Student leaders like Jana and IFTSA President-elect Chamali Kodikara bring a blend of creativity, innovation, and urgency that is needed to help reshape the global food system,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “As one of the leading food science associations in the world with an expanding global footprint, IFT unites top international food leaders like Jana and Chamali to help guide the next generation in our pursuit of a healthier and more nutritious future.”
IFTSA President-elect Chamali Kodikara is a PhD student and a Vanier Scholar at the University of Manitoba in Canada. Kodikara’s work focuses on detecting ergot alkaloids in wheat and using cold plasma processing to combat mycotoxins. She was also President of the Food and Human Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Association and helped establish the University of Manitoba IFTSA Chapter, the third Canadian Chapter in IFTSA history.
She previously served as the Vice President of Competitions for IFTSA as well as a chair for the IFTSA Graduate Research Video Competition. Additionally, Kodikara is a part of several IFT membership groups including the Food Safety & Quality Management Division, the Product Development Division, the International Division, as well as the Women’s Resource Group.
“I feel so fortunate to work alongside amazing student leaders like Jana and Viral, learning from their dedication and passion. I am excited to be part of this remarkable team, where I can continue learning, contribute my best, and support the student community in the science of food,” said Kodikara. “I also look forward to working with my team to make IFTSA more accessible to students in the science of food globally and to celebrate the vibrant, diverse community that unites us.”
Learn more about IFTSA.
About Institute of Food Technologists Student Association
The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) is a student-governed community of more than 2,300 IFT members spanning 66 Chapters in 60 countries. IFTSA’s vision of a global community of inspired and informed students who are prepared for a future in food drives its mission to enrich the academic experience and empower students to thrive individually and together. To prepare the future and celebrate the community, IFTSA provides opportunities beyond the classroom and lab, grows student networks to facilitate meaningful and lasting connections, as well as includes and promotes diverse perspectives and backgrounds to foster a culture of belonging. For more information, visit ift.org/community/students.
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.