Nov 7, 2022

ARLINGTON, VA — The FMI Foundation in partnership with The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association, announced 15 recipients of the highly competitive 2022 Food Safety Auditing Scholarship. The $3,000 scholarship is accompanied by an educational travel grant to the SQF Unites Global Conference, an interactive event for the global food safety and quality communities. The scholarship and education travel grant are available to students currently enrolled in food and agricultural science programs who have demonstrated passion and initiative in the field of accredited food safety auditing.

“A career in food safety auditing is a noble endeavor, and those committed  to such critical work deserve to be celebrated,” said Executive Director of the FMI Foundation, David Fikes. “Out of 64 impressive applicants, 15 received this year’s scholarship, based on their outstanding academic ability, leadership potential and passion for the auditing profession. The FMI Foundation is proud to support these essential scholars and applauds their commitment to maximize public health through a safe and secure food supply chain.”

The recipients of the 2022 FMI Foundation Food Safety Auditing Scholarship include:

Aishwarya Vengatesan, Rutgers University

Amrit Pal, University of Georgia

Aryany Leticia Pena Gomez , University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Bhaswati Chowdhury, South Dakota State University

Camryn Grace Cook, Virginia Tech

Christina Lynn Wormald-Allingham, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Cyril Nsom Ayuk Etaka, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Julysa Abril Benitez, Texas A&M University

Kenisha Odessa Gordon, Mississippi State University

LaTaunya Tillman, University of Florida

Amalia Beary, Cornell University

Marisa Lee Bacon, Michigan State University

Supriya Daulatrao Korade, Illinois Institute of Technology

Surabhi Wason, University of Arkansas

Zonia Elizabeth Caro Carvajal, Mississippi State University

“The specialized contributions of food safety auditors are the foundation for trust between consumers and the food industry,” said Chief Food Safety Assessment Officer and Senior Vice President of SQFI Gigi Vita. “This year’s scholarship recipients will fortify that trust by helping to prevent foodborne illnesses and enhance food security for the next generation of consumers.”

For additional information about the FMI Foundation and the scholarship program, visit FMI.org/Foundation. For information about Safe Quality Food Institute, visit SQFI.com.

For Media:

Access headshots of the scholarship winners here.