AFT’s Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Executive Board
Sarah Batka – President (2023 – 2024) – snbatka2@illinois.edu
“Hello! I’m Sarah Batka, a Junior studying food science with an interest in R&D within the chocolate, dairy, and snack food industries. I serve as AFT’s president, my role involving leading executive meetings, facilitating communication between College Bowl and AFT, and making executive decisions. This past summer, I interned in quality assurance at OSI Group, which has provided me with valuable insights into the processing plant aspect of the food industry. Currently, I am doing research for a graduate student in Dr. Engeseth’s lab on coffee and its antioxidant, polyphenol, and titratable acidity properties. I look forward to the upcoming winter term, as I will have the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Quito, Ecuador, to explore chocolate food systems. I love cooking, exploring different cuisines, and experiencing new flavors, and in my free time, I like going to the ice skating arena on campus!”
Elen Huang – Vice President for Industry (2023 – 2024) – elenlh2@illinois.edu
“Hi there! My name is Elen, and I am a junior in food science. I’m interested in R&D with a focus on alternative proteins, functional ingredients, and sustainable food systems. As the Vice President for Industry, I coordinate visits from companies and delegate tasks to Administrators on board. Currently, I serve as the student representative for the FSHN DEBI committee, in which I collaborate with faculty members to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the FSHN department. Over the summer, I worked as a FSQR intern at Cargill. Previously, I’ve also worked in Dr. de Mejia’s research lab to assist graduate students’ research on soy peptides and their functional properties in the human body. My favorite foods to cook and bake are eclairs, vegan pork belly, and anything tofu! Outside of cooking, I also love to paint, animate, sew, and swim!”
Aisha Tanjung – Vice President for College Bowl (Spring 2023) – tanjung2@illinois.edu
“Hello! My name is Aisha, and I’m a junior food science student. I serve as the Vice President for College Bowl for AFT. I have been part of the College Bowl team since my freshmen year and I’m excited to lead the team this year and continue the legacy! College Bowl has taught me so many valuable experiences from working together as a team to networking with other food science students from other schools. Hopefully, we can go to the finals this year and win the national champion title! Additionally, I also work as a student intern at the IBRL lab as I’m interested in food chemistry and food microbiology. Other than my love for food, I love to sing and play basketball!”
Grace Jung – Treasurer (2022 – 2024) – gjung22@illinois.edu
“Hi! My name is Grace Jung, and I am a junior in food science. I am AFT’s treasurer, and my role requires me to record and manage our organization’s finances. Currently, I work at the FSHN Pilot Processing Plant as an undergraduate intern to assist specialists in research projects and operating processing machinery. In the past, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Prescott Lab, where I worked on study focused on increasing vegetable consumption in a school setting. My interests include food waste reduction, food safety and regulation, and nutrition, and in my free time, I enjoy making warm soups and kimchi.ace Jung, and I am a junior in food science. I am AFT’s treasurer, and my role requires me to record and manage our organization’s finances. I currently work as an undergraduate research assistant in the Prescott Lab, where I assist with research on increasing vegetable consumption in a school setting. My interests include food waste reduction, food safety and regulation, and nutrition. In my free time, I enjoy cooking pasta and baking pastries.”
Christine Lee – Secretary (2023-2024) – clee316@illinois.edu
“Hello! My name is Christine Lee, and I am a junior in food science. I’m interested in R&D within the flavor, sugar substitutes, and beverage industries. I currently serve as the Secretary for AFT, overseeing the organization’s communication with its members to ensure efficient operations. Last summer, I worked as an R&D intern at Brookside Flavors and Ingredients, where I compounded various flavors and utilized them in a wide range of application projects like sparkling beverages, vegan ice cream, and protein bars. I have also interned at the IBRL analytical lab, where I worked with analytical machines, such as HPLC and GC, for plant protein and fermentation analysis. Currently, I work as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in Dr. Miller’s Lab, exploring bacteria spoilage and lactic enzymes in milk and other dairy products. Beyond science, I love culinary arts, constantly innovating and developing healthy recipes. I also love to bake macarons, cakes, and breads.”
Paige Chew – Social Media Chair (2023-2024) – pachew2@illinois.edu
“Hi, I’m Paige Chew! I am a Sophomore in Food Science with a minor in Chemistry and am interested in R&D and food chemistry! I serve as AFT’s Social Media Chair, making and designing posts for social media accounts and the website. I am currently a junior technician at the FSHN Pilot Processing Plant, where I aid in processing products for clients, as well as producing dining hall items such as chocolate chip cookies. I am also an ACES Johnathan Baldwin Turner Scholar, as well as a UIUC Chancellor’s Scholar. I love to crochet, sew, bake, cook, and dance in my free time!”
Administrative Officers
Summer Goodwin – Event Planner – summerg4@illinois.edu
Hey everyone! I’m Summer Goodwin, a junior in Food Science with minors in Chemistry and Leadership Studies. Professionally, I am interested in the intersection of food safety and global food security, with interests in fermentation and gene modification applications. As an AFT event planning admin, I can’t wait to see you all at the awesome events we have planned for this year! If you have any event ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out; we are very interested in your input! Aside from AFT, I am also involved with the Illini Equestrians, Food Science Ambassador Program, undergraduate research in the Prescott Lab, and am beginning work on my James Scholar Project. I love trying new foods, exploring new places, and of course, volunteering with the baby goats at Prairie Fruit Farms and Creamery in the spring!
Jessica Soegiantoro – Event Planner – jas19@illinois.edu
Hi! My name is Jessica, and I am a junior majoring in Food Science and minoring in business. I am mainly interested in R&D and fermentation and aspire to develop healthy fermented products. I serve as the Event Planner for AFT, meaning that I plan and coordinate events for the organization. I currently work as a student intern at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory, where I learn how to operate pilot-scale fermentation facilities. In my free time, I like to bake, crochet, make kombucha or play games on my Nintendo Switch.
Uma Teh – Event Planner – umateh2@illinois.edu
Hi, my name is Uma Teh, and I’m a sophomore in Food Science. I’m interested in food chemistry and hope to explore the options in flavor research. As one of the Event Planners, I help brainstorm ideas for AFT events and help them come to fruition. I have worked at Bevier Cafe in the past, mainly washing dishes and helping out in the kitchen in any way I can. My favorite foods to make are classic Indian curries and milk bread!
Nathan Chen – Fundraising Officer – ntchen3@illinois.edu
Hello everyone! My name is Nathan, and I’m a junior in Food Science, minoring in Human Nutrition. I am AFT’s Fundraising Officer, and I’ve been a member of AFT since freshman year. I’m interested in working in food product development relating to plant-based substitutes for animal products. Currently, I’m working at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory on campus, where I develop skills in different aspects of food processing on a small scale. As a first-generation student, I hope to take the skills that I learn in AFT and on campus and bring them back to my community in order to help those in need.
Victor Reyna – Creative Director – victorr3@illinois.edu
Hello, my name is Victor. I am a fourth-year student majoring in food science. I serve as Creative Director, meaning I help with the creative design and vision for our social media accounts. Currently, I work as a Senior Resident Advisor for University Housing, conduct undergraduate research in Dr. Engeseth’s lab, and work with the FSHN 199 Teaching team. Over the summer, I interned at PepsiCo, working on R&D. Other notable experiences I have embarked on include: coauthoring the FSHN 101 textbook; studying Cacao in Ecuador; completing a European/French Food curriculum; an internship in France. In addition to academics, I am President of Circle K International, a member of IFTSA College Bowl, and an ambassador for the FSHN department. Lastly, in my free time, I like to try new foods.
Previous Executives:
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023:
Madeline Mertdogan – President
Patrick Slojkowski – Vice President for Industry
Savannah Hemrick – Vice President for College Bowl
Victor Reyna – Social Media Chair
Grace Jung – Treasurer
Aisha Tanjung – Secretary
Admins:
Christine Lee (Event Planner), Elen Huang (Event Coordinator), Sarah Batka (Graphic Designer),
Paige Chew (Creative Director), Eric Fan (Fundraising Officer), Uma Teh (Group Chat Admin)
Spring 2022:
Bea Alicante – Co-President
Madeline Mertdogan – Co-President
Savannah Hemrick – Industry Contact
Caroline Lee – Co-Program Coordinator
Najwa Farhana Yahya – Co-Program Coordinator
Patrick Slojkowski – Social Media Chair
Fall 2020 – Fall 2021:
Caroline Lee – Co-President
Susie Lin – Co-President
Patrick Slojkowski – Social Media Chair & College Bowl Captain
Jamie Fisher – Industry Coordinator
Bea Alicante – Program Coordinator
Fall 2019 – Spring 2020:
Eileen Foerster – President
Vansh Chaudhary – Secretary
Caroline Lee – Social Chair
Chris Katrakis – College Bowl Captain