Lincoln, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Phi Tau Sigma Chapter received the Dr. S. Suzanne Nielsen Chapter Program Award and Phi Tau Sigma Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award. It was also recognized as a Phi Tau Sigma Chapter of Excellence 2022-2023.
Phi Tau Sigma is the Honor Society of Food Science and Technology. The UNL chapter is comprised of a diverse group of students with a passion for engaging others in educational activities and sharing information about food science.
Jaber Ghorbani Kahrizsangi is a doctoral student in The Department of Food Science and Technology whose research is focused on risk assessment and antibiotic resistance genes. He is responsible for nominating new volunteers to the chapter.
“Phi Tau Sigma provides a space for me to connect with other graduate students from different labs in our department,” Kahrizsangi said. “I love the brainstorming sessions during our meetings, where all members collaborate to organize events and generate creative ideas. My favorite part is listening to new ideas, refining them, and putting them into practice.”
UNL was one of two chapters to receive $500 for the Dr. S. Suzanne Nielsen Chapter Program Award. This award is designed to help chapters finance a larger and more impactful event than the chapter could fund on its own. UNL won this award for the 7th edition of the Battle of the Food Scientists.
UNL also received a plaque and $1,000 for the Phi Tau Sigma Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award in recognition of their excellence in research, scholarship, leadership, and service. The UNL chapter had a 40% increase in membership and hosted engaging events including guest speakers, Battle of the Food Scientists, a science slam and an ice cream social.
Karen Nieto-Flores is a doctoral student in the Department of Food Science and Technology whose research interests are in food safety and food science education. She is the UNL Phi Tau Sigma secretary.
“It felt incredible to find out we won these awards,” Nieto-Flores said. “I have witnessed the transition of our Phi Tau Sigma chapter from a small group of colleagues to a thriving group of graduate students. Over time, as we organized more events and activities, we began to attract more members and shared our enthusiasm and vision with the department and the university. It is good to see our hard work, dedication, and passion for food science being acknowledged at such a prestigious level.”
Carmen Perez-Donado is also a doctoral student in food science and an active member of Phi Tau Sigma. Her research focuses on understanding the effects of Cadmium on the human gut microbiome.
“Our work as a team is great,” Perez-Donado said. “Each one of us offers the best of ourselves to make everything work. We have a talented team and an excellent leader. I consider that those traits are key to moving toward being an award-winning chapter.”
