CAFRE students shine at IFST Young Scientist competition!

Two Loughry Campus students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) have excelled at the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) Young Scientist of the Year Competition.

The annual event offers undergraduate and postgraduate students based in the UK the opportunity to present their findings of a food-related project. This year the regional heat was held at Ulster University, Belfast Campus. 

Two final year BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Technology undergraduate students, studying at Loughry Campus, Cookstown qualified for the competition. After submitting an abstract on their project, the students were shortlisted and invited to deliver a 10-minute presentation on an overview of their research and its relevance to the food and drink sector.

Competing with students from Universities across Northern Ireland, the Loughry Campus students presented their final year degree research project findings, judged by a panel of food industry professionals.

Sharon West (Newtownhamilton), who ultimately won first place, presented her research on ‘Testing the acceptability of folic acid fortified yoghurt.’ Marta Marczuk (Craigavon), was awarded joint runner up with her research on ‘The use of Brewers Spent Grain (BSG) within bakery products to enhance nutrition levels while retaining original taste and texture.’ 

Commenting on the competition and student projects Dr Joanna Keenan (CAFRE Food Technology Lecturer) said: “We are delighted to see CAFRE food students being recognised, and their work celebrated by the IFST and competition sponsors NIFDA. We are very proud of the students; they have worked hard over recent months gathering and analysing data for their research projects. This event has given them the opportunity to network with food industry professionals and it’s encouraging to see the support being offered to future talent for the food industry.”

Feedback from the judging panel concluded both projects exhibited strong scientific rigour and clearly showed their potential application within the food industry. Well done Sharon and Marta, a fantastic achievement!

If you are interested in studying for a qualification in food, discover undergraduate courses at Loughry Campus, visit the CAFRE website for further information.

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption: Loughry Campus Research Project supervisors Dr Emanuele Armaforte (CAFRE, Senior Food Technologist), Dr Gillian Stevenson (CAFRE, Senior Food Technology Lecturer) and Dr Joanna Keenan (CAFRE, Lecturer and Module Manager) congratulate IFST Northern Ireland Young Scientist winners Marta Marczuk (joint runner up) and Sharon West (IFST Young Scientist winner).
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