AQUALAB, the acclaimed leader in water activity and moisture
control and measurement solutions for food and pharma companies,
today announced that Lead Food Scientist, Zachary Cartwright, PhD,
an active member of IFT’s Food & Safety committee, will assume
a highly visible leadership role at the upcoming IFT FIRST Annual
Event and Expo, July 14-17, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
Zachary Cartwright will host the Scientific and Technical Forum
session, "What Technologies are Positively Impacting the
Global Water Supply." Each of the esteemed panelists
brings extensive experience in applying water technologies,
science, digital tools, sustainability, reuse, standards, and
ecosystem restoration.
WHAT: |
What
Tech Are Positively Impacting the Global Water
Supply? |
WHEN: |
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 |
WHERE: |
IFT First Annual Event & Expo |
|
McCormick Place, Room S402 |
|
Chicago, IL 60616 |
|
|
The speakers will address the challenges and opportunities of
water management in the context of the nexus between water, food
and climate change, and how emerging food safety issues can be
mitigated by innovative solutions. Attendees will gain insights
into the diverse array of approaches being deployed to enhance
global water quality, availability, and accessibility.
Panelists include: Ben Weaver, Market Segment Leader, Food
Ingredients at Solecta, Inc.; Phyllis Posy, MS, President at Posy
Global; Roman Lis, Senior Principal Engineer/Practice Leader
(Wastewater, Water, Sustainability) at Stantec; Tatiana Koutchma,
PhD, Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Vittorio
Fattori, PhD, Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division at Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations; and co-hosted
with Kantha Shelke, PhD, CFS, Principal at Corvus Blue LLC and
Senior Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University.
“As a purpose-driven scientific community that advances global
science including food safety and quality, IFT connects global
communities to advance the science of food safety and quality,”
said IFT Food and Quality Safety Division Chair, Joele
Atonfack.
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a forum for
passionate food professionals and students to collaborate, learn,
and contribute, all with the goal of inspiring and transforming
collective knowledge into innovative solutions for the benefit of
all people around the world.
The IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo is where advocacy for
science and the power of collaboration and innovation take center
stage.
“IFT’s commitment to DEIB drives innovation in the global food
system. At IFT FIRST, our 12 DEIB-focused events, including the
African, African American, Black Resource Group Networking Event,
foster genuine community and respect, making the future of food
brighter,” said Nina Steele, IFT Senior Manager, Membership
Engagement and Inclusion. “By prioritizing visibility and
inclusion, we create dynamic environments for meaningful
connections and collaborations, which are essential for advancing
the science of food and its application.”
Attendees are privy to 100+ scientific sessions and discussions
focused on this year’s theme of Collaboration and Innovation: How
Can Food Science and Tech Transform the Food System?
“Attending the IFT First conference in Chicago this month is an
unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover
cutting-edge innovations, and gain invaluable insights that can
shape the future of food technology,” said Zachary Cartwright.
Cartwright will also present IFTSA Graduate Research Video Award
finalists, and eventual winner, during the IFT closing ceremony on
Tuesday, July 16th at 5:00pm. Of note is that Dr. Cartwright won
this award in 2017.
Chair, Leadership Development Committee at IFT, Colin Dennis,
noted that, “IFT FIRST is a meeting of representatives from the
food industry, academia and government working in disciplines such
as science, technology, engineering, marketing, sales and
publishing. Such a gathering from around the globe, enables sharing
of insights, exchanging ideas on research and technology as well as
exploring the opportunities and challenges facing our
profession.
“My ambition for the prize when it was suggested, during my time
as IFT President, by my ex-colleagues at Campden BRI was for it to
focus on students and to stimulate international exchange and
experience.
“The CampdenBRI video prize stimulates students to critically
think about the purpose of their research and the potential impact
it has on society. The winners travel internationally, experience
different cultures and practices, and learn about opportunities and
challenges in industry, academia and government in the UK and
Europe.
“These experiences invariably establish long lasting interaction
and friendships which have the potential to be the basis of future
collaboration.”
Bertrand Emond, Membership Ambassador and Culture Excellence
Lead at Campden BRI, added that, “IFT FIRST is a pivotal event
dedicated to shaping the future of food. The Campden BRI GRVC
provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to showcase
their research in a creative and concise way and practice their
science communication skills. The winner of the competition goes on
a 10-day study tour in the UK/Europe to visit technical/research
centers of excellence including Campden BRI and meet with technical
experts - a fantastic way to network with peers, give presentations
to various audiences, and find out about what is happening in the
UK and Europe.”
Please direct all media inquiries to Mostafa Razzak,
1.917.912.0623/
m.razzak@jmrconnect.net.
About AQUALAB
More than 90 of the top 100 food companies in the US own and use
AQUALAB devices, as well as many international organizations.
Widespread use across the food industry includes a strong market
presence in sectors such as snack foods, pet foods, dairy, and
processed meats. Precision water activity measurements help food
production companies to optimize quality assurance, guarantee
safety, reduce R&D and production costs, and extend shelf
life.
Important to note is that brands such as Hostess, Kemin, Clif
Bar, Arkopharma, and Thorne, among others, have embraced AQUALAB's
solutions.
With offices in the US, Europe, Latin America, and Asia,
complemented by an extensive distributor network, AQUALAB maintains
a global presence that mirrors its impact. Beyond its core
expertise in water activity, the company offers a comprehensive
suite of solutions, including moisture content analysis, isotherm
generators, drying optimization software, food formulation
software, sensory analysis, and R&D consulting.
For additional information, please visit www.aqualab.com.