IFT Sustainable Food Systems Division

Continuing our celebration of our #SHEROes IFT Sustainable Food Systems Division Chair Jonathan Kershaw would like to thank ?@Melanie Roberts at Washington State University. Melanie was the founder and executive director of an interdisciplinary #leadershipdevelopment program for graduate students, Emerging Leaders in Science and Society, a program of the AAAS . This impactful program was a pivot point in Jonathan’s graduate school experience and molded his thinking to be a more interdisciplinary, community-focused, and collaborative scientist. Of Melanie, Jonathan says, “Melanie’s visionary guidance and steady support continue to impact my career today, even over a decade later. Melanie expanded my vision of how science leadership and communication are needed to address today’s pressing issues and complex problems. More than just providing a vision, she also gave me the tools and confidence to go out and try to make a difference.” Thank you to @Melanie Roberts !!! #IWD2025 #womensmonth #femaleleadership #womeninSTEM #mentorship #learninganddevelopment

?? Celebrating Women’s Month with Gratitude ?? Kicking off Women's Month counting down to International Women’s Day, the IFT Sustainable Food Systems Division is embracing a theme close to our hearts: #gratitude. This month, we honor the women who have shaped our journeys—our mentors, colleagues, friends, family, and all those who lifted us up along the way. Their encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering support have helped us become who we are today. To kick things off, our Chair-Elect, Dr. Lara Ramdin ???? wanted to take a moment to share her appreciation for her "ride or die" Angie Crone CEO of Impact on Purpose. During their time at the Upcycled Food Association Angie and Dr. Lara formed a dynamic partnership that played a key role in the organization's growth and impact. As CEO, Angie was at the helm, steering the association through key phases of development, ensuring that the mission of reducing food waste and championing upcycled products gained momentum in the food industry. Her leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to bring people together created a strong foundation for UFA’s success. Meanwhile, as a Board Member, Lara brought a wealth of expertise in food innovation, sustainability, and strategy. She provided crucial insights that helped shape the #UpcycledFoodFoundation's direction and the Research Fellows programme. Their collaboration was built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared passion for #sustainablefoodsystems. Beyond their professional synergy, their friendship and peer mentorship provided the emotional and professional support necessary to lead in a challenging industry. Dr Lara says about Angie - " Angie is a stellar colleague, an incredible listener, and has an impeccable taste in music— we will always have Linda Ronstadt, Sinéad O’Connor, and, of course, Kelly Clarkson " Throughout the month, we’ll continue to spotlight the incredible women in our community. Who has made a difference in your journey? Tag them in the comments and let’s spread the gratitude! ?? #WomensMonth #IFT #Gratitude #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInFood #womensupportingwomen #femaleleadership #womeninSTEM

We want to conclude #BlackHistoryMonth this with highlighting Dr.Ayanna Howard. She is not just a renowned roboticist, entrepreneur, and educator—she is a pioneer in engineering and artificial intelligence. In March 2021, she made history as the first woman to lead the The Ohio State University College of Engineering , marking a significant milestone in a field historically underrepresented by women, especially #Blackwomen. Her career is nothing short of extraordinary. From her groundbreaking work at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she developed intelligent robotic systems for space exploration, to founding Zyrobotics, LLC, a company focused on inclusive technology for children with disabilities, Dr. Howard has continuously pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Now, as the Dean of Engineering at The Ohio State University, she is shaping the future of engineering education, championing diversity in STEM, and paving the way for the next generation of innovators, dreamers, and disruptors. Her journey is a testament to resilience, brilliance, and leadership—a reminder that representation matters and that diversity fuels innovation. We are so proud of your work Dr. Howard!! #BlackHistoryMonth #AyannaHoward #WomenInSTEM #EngineeringLeadership #DiversityInSTEM #Innovation #AI #Robotics

Our 5th unsung hero for this #Blackhistorymonth is Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire, PhD-Viral Immunologist . When the world stood still in the face of COVID-19, Dr. Kizzmekia "Kizzy" Corbett was working tirelessly behind the scenes to develop one of the most effective tools against the pandemic—the mRNA vaccine. As a viral immunologist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), her pioneering research on coronavirus spike proteins laid the foundation for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which became a global game-changer. Despite her monumental contributions, Dr. Corbett’s name isn’t as widely recognized as it should be. She represents the brilliance, perseverance, and innovation of Black scientists who have shaped history but often remain unsung heroes. Today, as an Assistant Professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Shutzer Assistant Professor at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, she continues her groundbreaking research in immunology while advocating for scientific equity, vaccine education, and mentoring future scientists—especially those from underrepresented communities. Her story is a testament to why diversity in science matters and how one person’s relentless dedication can change the course of global health. Let’s celebrate Dr. Corbett’s impact, resilience, and leadership this Black History Month! Did you know about Dr. Corbett’s contributions before this post? Let’s amplify her story! #BlackHistoryMonth #KizzmekiaCorbett #WomenInSTEM #ScienceHeroes #VaccineScience #Immunology #DiversityInSTEM

Now is the time to calculate your meals Co2 emission. I think we should never eat "Slow Cooked lamb with loaded mash" and "Beef ragout fettuccine" again!! Comment and let us know if Carbon footprint would make a difference in your everyday selection. #carbonfootprint #sustainability #environmentalimpact

Our 4th #unsunghero for #blackhistorymonth is Dr. Jedidah Isler, Ph.D. — an astrophysicist, educator, futurist, and policy-maker who’s redefining what it means to use science for the greater good. A proud double-HBCU graduate (Norfolk State University & Fisk University), Dr. Isler made history as the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Yale University. ???? Her groundbreaking research on hyperactive supermassive black holes expanded our understanding of the universe — but she didn’t stop there. Driven by her passion for equity in #STEM, Dr. Isler shifted her focus to science policy, bringing her expertise to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Today, she works at the intersection of science, technology, and social justice, advocating for policies that make science more inclusive and accessible. ???? Through her outreach to schools, universities, nonprofits, and planetariums nationwide, Dr. Isler continues to inspire future generations and champion a vision where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to — and benefit from — science and technology. Let’s celebrate Dr. Isler, who remind us that the future of science is one that should belong to everyone. #BlackHistoryMonth #WomenInSTEM #Astrophysics #SciencePolicy #EquityInSTEM #SocialJustice #Innovation #HBCUExcellence #IFT #SustainableFutures

During our monthly meeting, the IFT Sustainable Food Systems Division - had a "fireside chat" with our Past Chair Ziynet Boz about The Circular Economy: a sustainable future of food systems ? The concept of a #circulareconomy is rapidly gaining traction as a viable and sustainable alternative to the model of "take, make, dispose." This shift is not just a trend—it is a necessity driven by the urgent need to address #climatechange, #resourcedepletion, and #wastemanagement challenges that threaten our planet. At its core, the circular economy focuses on designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, and regenerating natural systems. Inspired by biological systems, where everything is repurposed and returned to nature, the circular economy aims to mimic these cycles for a more sustainable world. One of the leading voices in this space is the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which has been instrumental in driving awareness and adoption of circular principles, particularly in #foodsystems to drive the #circularbioeconomy. A #circularbioeconomy integrates biological and technological cycles to create a more sustainable and efficient food supply chain. How does this work? 1?? #Upcycling Food Waste: Transforming waste into valuable products such as #upcycledfoods and #upcycledingredients (and in addition animal feed, biofuels, or packaging materials) 2?? Industrial Ecology & Biomimicry: Learning from nature to design self-sustaining food production systems 3?? Regenerative Agriculture: Enhancing soil health and biodiversity to increase resilience in food production 4?? Energy Efficiency: Implementing anaerobic digestion and composting to convert organic waste into biogas and soil nutrients The transition to a #circulareconomy requires the combined efforts of businesses, governments, and civil society. The journey towards a circular bioeconomy is complex, but it is a necessary step in ensuring food security, environmental protection, and long-term economic viability. ?? How do you see the circular economy impacting your industry? Share your thoughts in the comments! ?? #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #FoodWasteReduction #Bioeconomy #RegenerativeAgriculture #firesidechat #ift #iftfsd Congrats also to Ziynet Boz, our Chair-Elect Dr. Lara Ramdin ???? Emily Broad Leib and our current Chair Jonathan Kershaw for their excellent panel "From Waste to Taste " at AAAS this weekend. The team brought their deep expertise in the circular economy and waste reduction to the AAAS stage, sparking a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion. Collectively they challenged conventional thinking on #waste, #resourceefficiency, and the #futureoffood sustainability. Their insights ignited a lively debate on how science, policy, and industry must intersect to drive real change. #aaasmtg #aaasmtg2025 #thoughtleadership #scienceshapingtomorrow

In our 3rd installment of #unsungheroes during #BlackHistoryMonth, we introduce Dr Folami Ideraabdullah, a trailblazing geneticist whose research is unlocking the intricate connections between?environmental factors and gene expression. Her work delves deep into how our surroundings influence genetic activity, shedding light on potential interventions for diseases and health disparities. Dr. Ideraabdullah’s contributions to science earned her a well-deserved spot on?Cell Press’s 2020 list of the Top 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America—a testament to her impact and leadership in genetics and epigenetics. Why does her research matter? ?? It helps us understand?how #diet, toxins, and #environmentalexposures?shape genetic activity. ???? It paves the way for?#personalizedmedicine and #publichealth strategies. ?? It provides insights into?health disparities and ways to mitigate them?through science-based solutions. Her journey is an inspiration for aspiring scientists, particularly?women and underrepresented minorities in STEM, proving that?curiosity, resilience, and dedication can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Let’s celebrate pioneers like Dr. Ideraabdullah who are shaping the future of?genomics and public health! What are your thoughts on the impact of environmental factors on our genes??Let’s discuss in the comments! ?? #STEM #WomenInScience #BlackExcellence #ScienceInnovation #HealthResearch #environmentalinfluence #ift #iftsfsd

For our second #BlackHistoryMonth installment, we celebrate Dr George Warimwe - trailblazer in immunology and an #UnsungHero Dr. George Warimwe's groundbreaking work on viral infections that transmit between humans and animals is saving lives worldwide. In 2021, Dr. Warimwe was awarded the @Royal Society Africa Prize — a prestigious honor recognizing his outstanding research on zoonotic diseases and vaccine development. His work is not only crucial for public health in Africa but also has global implications, especially in understanding and combating emerging infectious diseases. Despite his significant contributions to?#STEM and #globalhealth, Dr. Warimwe remains?an unsung hero—a scientist whose name should be in textbooks, headlines, and global discussions on health equity and innovation. As we celebrate?#BlackHistoryMonth, let’s take a moment to honor pioneers like him. Representation in STEM matters, and Dr. Warimwe’s work serves as an inspiration for future scientists, researchers, and innovators. Who are some other unsung heroes in #STEM that inspire you? #GeorgeWarimwe #PublicHealth #Immunology #GlobalImpact #ift #iftsfsd

It's #BlackHistoryMonth?and a time to?honor trailblazers?who have not only made history but are also shaping the future. And today, we shine a spotlight on one of the most?engaging, innovative, and inspiring figures in STEM— Raven Baxter, Ph.D. ?(aka?Dr. Raven the Science Maven)! A?molecular biologist, science communicator, and educator, Dr. Baxter has?redefined how we talk about science—bringing it to life through?music, storytelling, and advocacy. ??? From her?science-themed rap videos?that make molecular biology fun and accessible to founding Black in Science Communication, she’s on a mission to?amplify #blackvoices in #STEM?and?bridge the gap between science and the public. ???Why Raven Baxter, Ph.D.’s work matters: 1???Science should be engaging—and she makes it fun, inclusive, and relatable! 2???Representation matters—she’s paving the way for future black scientists and communicators. 3???Breaking barriers—she’s proving that #STEM isn’t just for the lab—it’s for culture, creativity, and community. ???Let’s celebrate?Raven and other?#blackSTEMinnovators?who are shaping the future with their brilliance, passion, and dedication. ???Check her YouRube channel, we especially love her #covidrelated video "Wipe It Down" (see below). ???Who are other Black scientists and STEM communicators you admire? Tag them and share their impact!????? #BlackHistoryMonth #STEM #WomenInSTEM #ScienceCommunication #RepresentationMatters #BlackInSTEM #ScienceMaven #Innovators #IFT #IFTSFSD Dr. Lara Ramdin ???? Kelsey Ryan Areeba Ali Prativa Gaire https://lnkd.in/gFJw2TtE