An assistant professor of food science with Texas Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences has been awarded the Institute of Food Technologists' Foods Division "Member of the Year Award." Jerrad Legako received the honor on Monday (July 16) during a special presentation at the IFT'S National Conference in Chicago.

Introduced four years ago, the member of the year award is recognition for an IFT member who goes above and beyond in supporting IFT'S Muscle Foods Division. The past-chair, chair and chair-elect review membership, activities and contributions; then select the award winner.

Legako was chosen for his commitment to the division by unwavering participation; sharing advice and ideas; and coordination of four IFT sessions. "The division is lucky to have him as a member," said Kelly Kleinsmith, a regulatory/compliance official with Johnsonville in Madison, Wisconsin.

Legako received his bachelor's degree in biology from Texas Tech and master's degree in food science from Oklahoma State University. His doctorate in animal science is from Texas Tech. He's a member of the American Society of Animal Science, American Meat Science Association, and the Institute of Food Technologists.

Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty in 2016, Legako served as an assistant professor in Utah State University's Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences in Logan, Utah; and worked as an affiliate faculty member in Colorado State University's Department of Animal Sciences.

Program officials note that the IFT advances the science of food and its application across the global food system by creating a forum where individuals from more than 90 countries can collaborate, learn and grow; transforming scientific knowledge into innovative solutions.

Through forums such as one of the world's largest annual food science events, publications such as Food Technology magazine, the group says it enables members to enhance their knowledge and expand their professional connections, both domestically and abroad.

CONTACT: Michael Orth, chairman, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-5653 or michael.orth@ttu.edu

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