Division of Agriculture Food Scientist Recognized by 2 Professional Organizations

DOUBLE EXPOSURE — Navam Hettiarachchy, University Professor of protein chemistry in the U of A System Division of Agriculture’s department of food science, has been recognized by two professional organizations for her contributions to research and teaching. (Photo Submitted)

Media Contact

Fred Miller

U of A System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 575-5647 | fmiller@uark.edu

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Navam Hettiarachchy, University Professor of protein chemistry in the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s department of food science, has been recognized and honored by two professional organizations.

Hettiarachchy has been named a fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology — the Global Focus of Food Science Excellence — by the International Union of Food Science and Technology. She has also been named director of Phi Tau Sigma, the international honor society of the Institute of Food Technologists.

Hettiarachchy is a researcher in the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture, and a member of the faculty of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, and a researcher and scientist with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the U of A System Division of Agriculture.

She is one of 29 new fellows, one of just nine from the U.S., and will be inducted by the IAFST Academy Council in August.

The International Union of Food Science and Technology stimulates the ongoing exchange of knowledge in scientific disciplines and technologies relating to the expansion, improvement, distribution and conservation of the world’s food supply.

Hettiarachchy, already a fellow of IFT, has been elected to serve a three-year term, September 2020-August 2023, as director of Phi Tau Sigma. The honor society recognizes excellence among peers, students and educational activities.

IFT is an international, non-profit scientific society of professionals engaged in food science, food technology and related areas in academia, government and industry with a membership of more than 15,000. Hettiarachchy has served as chair of several committees (basic symposium, diversity, scholarships and continuing education), been a member of others (fellow, awards and annual planning), and also held positions as task forces leader and student counselor.

She is a past president of the IFT-American Association of Food Scientists for the Indian Subcontinent and served as a poster competition chair as well as director of fundraising. Her leadership has led to many IFT Bumpers College student experiences, including first places in national product development contests as well as 11 regional champions and two national champions at the IFT college bowl competitions.

To learn more about the Division of Agriculture Research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station  website. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch and Instagram at ArkAgResearch.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.