Dudley’s Innovative Research Earns Top Honors at IFT Conference

Dr. Aaron Dudley, a recent Ph.D. graduate from Alabama A&M University’s Food Science program, secured first place in the Food Packaging Oral Competition at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology Conference (FIRST) Conference in Chicago. IFT, the leading global organization for food science professionals, brings together industry experts to share knowledge and foster innovation.

“Winning this award was a proud moment for me,” Dudley reflected. “From the outset of my Ph.D. journey, placing first in the IFT competition was a key goal. It’s a testament to the remarkable opportunities I’ve had, and I’m truly grateful. I’ll continue to strive for excellence!”

At the conference, Dudley presented two cutting-edge research projects, including a collaborative study on the Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on RTE cold smoked salmon with fellow food engineering student Manikanta Kunisetty, both supervised by Dr. Lamin Kassama in the Food Engineering Lab. The pioneering research in food packaging explored the development of hemp extract-loaded nanofiber to enhance food safety.

“My research, titled ‘Nanoencapsulation of Hemp Extract in Electrospun Nanofiber: Characterization of Physical Attributes, Release Profile, and Application as Active Film for Packaging,’ focuses on creating an electrospun nanofiber that encapsulates hemp-derived phytochemicals. These phytochemicals serve as an antimicrobial agent, improving the quality and safety of poultry meat,” Dudley explained.

The presentation of this innovative work earned Dudley the top spot among scores of global submissions, marking his second consecutive year as a finalist in the IFT competition. Last year, he placed third in the Food Engineering Division oral competition. Dudley and Kassama are now in the process of publishing their findings.

Dudley was joined at the IFT conference by Food Science faculty members, including Department Chair Dr. Martha Verghese and other students who also presented their research.

A native of Flint, Michigan and an ORISE USDA-FSIS Fellow, Dudley brings professional experience from Conagra Brands and Kellogg Company to his new role as a faculty member in Alabama A&M’s Food and Animal Sciences department. He also served as a summer mentor for Huntsville-area high school students through the North Alabama Center for Education Excellence (NACEE) TRIO UPWARD BOUND program.

“What I love most about teaching here is our students’ passion for learning about Food Science and life,” Dudley shared. “Our students bring diverse perspectives worldwide, enriching our learning environment. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help them grasp complex concepts, succeed in research, and grow into well-rounded professionals and scientists.”

Dudley expressed immense pride in representing Alabama A&M University on the global stage.

“It was an honor to exchange ideas with scientists and industry leaders worldwide,” he said. “Representing Alabama A&M at this level was a proud moment for me, my lab group, and our department. This award reflects the unwavering support and guidance I’ve received throughout my Ph.D. journey. It also highlights the strength of our program, proving that here at AAMU, you can START HERE AND GO EVERYWHERE!”