As a unique degree program, Food Technology for Companion Animals (FTCA) offered only at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln through the Departments of Food Science and Technology and Animal Science, is the first of it's kind to focus on the science of food we feed our pets.  Companion animal foods differ from those for people and other animals, not to mention the many diverse options from which to choose.  In addition, this presents big challenges to scientists and processors. FTCA majors will play a major role in new product development, process operations, quality assurance or product safety in producing the foods and treats all pets consume. 

In support of this mission, Nestle Purina Petcare, Inc. has provided a gift in the amount of $25,000 to fund ten $2,500 scholarships annually, initially for a three year term, to assist students in pursuing the FTCA degree program.  This generous gift will support the development of this program through recruitment and support of students as they work their way to a bachelor's degree in Food Technology for Companion Animals.  Ultimately, not only will these students be technologically savvy in the companion animal industry, but will fill a need in the industry through a combination of science and processing backgrounds. 

Applications are available online at petfoodsci.unl.edu/scholarships.shtml.  All application materials should be submitted by March 15, 2008, according to the directions on the application form.

The Institute of Food Technologists AkSarBen Section Scholarship application is available to any student members interested in applying.  One undergraduate and one graduate student scholarship will be awarded to students that are studying a discipline related to food and that are members of our organization.  Applications are available from Dr. Susan Cuppett.  The applications are due on March 31st, 2008, to Dr. Rolando A. Flores, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology.

On Wednesday, February 20th, the Food Science Club will be hosting an International Potluck Dinner.  We will be meeting at 5:00 in the commons area of Filley Hall.  Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to share and drinks will be provided by the club.  The potluck will have an international theme, so be creative!  The sensory lab will be available to store items or do some preparation before the dinner.  Everyone in Food Science is invited and guests/family are welcome to come as well.

Ferdelie Gaskin is a graduate student specializing in Food Allergy Research in our department.  She will be presenting her seminar  Development of ELISA for the detection of cashew nut residues in processed foods on Monday, February 18th at 4 PM in Room 42 of the Food Industry Complex.

The Milton E. Mohr 2008-2009 Awards Program will award scholarships and fellowships of $1000 ($500 per semester) to undergraduates and graduate students. 

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

♦ Fall 2008-2009 UNL full-time junior, senior, graduate student, or Certificate of Full-Time Graduate Status

♦ Graduation date no sooner than May 2009

♦ Accumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater

♦ Enrolled in a College of Engineering or Biotechnology Degree Programs (Including Food Science)

Scholarships are renewable, but you must reapply.  Applications are due March 10, 2008.  Please give your applications to Nina Murray in the FST Main Office.

Representatives of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) will be presenting a seminar from 9:00-10:00am on February 14th in the Hardin Hall auditorium.   The seminar will expose attendees to a unique organization that offers technical support and graduate education to most of the independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. The seminar will feature an overview of IICA and its programs (for more about IICA, see http://www.sdnp.org.gy/minagri/iica/generalinfo.htm). Participants will hear from

 

• James French, Director of Technical Leadership and Knowledge Management
• Miguel Garcia, Director of Agribusiness Competitiveness and Head of the Inter-American Program for Trade, Agribusiness and Food Safety
• Assefaw Tewolde, Director of Biotechnology and Biosafety
• Milagro Saborio, Rural Development Specialist

The Food Science Club will have its next meeting on Wednesday, February 13th. Food will be served at 5:00 pm and the meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the downstairs auditorium (FIC 42/45).

We will be discussing plans for the upcoming IFTSA North Central Area Meeting as well as several other events planned for the semester. Anyone who would like to give input about planning the area meeting (including faculty and staff) is strongly encouraged to attend.

Dr. George Meyer, Professor of Biological Systems Engineering will be presenting a seminar titled Machine Vision and Electronic Sensors in Agriculture Research on Monday February 11th at 4 PM in Room 42 of the Food Industry Complex.

On Monday, please join us for a seminar by Dr. Daniel Vasgird, Director of the Office of Research Responsibility for the University of Nebraska.  He will be presenting "Responsible Conduct of Research".  This seminar will be given at 4 p.m. in Filley Hall Room 42.