Phi Tau Sigma
Phi Tau Sigma is an international honor society for food science and technology. It was founded in 1953 at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
History
The organization was founded in at the University of Massachusetts Amherst by Dr. Gideon E. (Guy) Livingston, a food technology professor. It was incorporated under the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as Phi Tau Sigma Honorary Society, Inc.Besides Livingston, the charter members of the honor society were M. P. Baldorf, Robert V. Decareau, E. Felicotti, W. D. Powrie, M. A. Steinberg, and D. E. Westcott.
Phi Tau Sigma recognizes and honors the achievements of Food Scientists and Technologists, encourages the sharing of scientific knowledge, creates a network of professionals, and promotes charitable and educational programs.
In 2013, Phi Tau Sigma, for the first time, garnered the support and cooperation of the Council of Food Science Administrators. Phi Tau Sigma has 1185 members.
Symbols
The Greek letters ΦΤΣ represent the Greek words for "Devotion to the Study of Foods".- ΦΙΛΕΙΝ: Love or devotion
- ΤΡΟΦΗΣ: Food
- ΣΠΟΥΔΗΝ: Study
Activities
Phi Tau Sigma shares professional information through meetings, lectures, and publications.Since 1984, the society has presented the Carl R. Fellers Award for service to the field of food science and technology. It also holds the annual ΦΤΣ Graduate Paper Competition and the Student Competition
The Phi Tau Sigma Student Achievement Scholarship is given to members for exceptional scholastic achievement and dedication to Phi Tau Sigma. Up to three awards may be made in a year. The Dr. Daryl B. Lund International Scholarship is given to a member to supplement international travel for educational purposes. The Dr. Gideon “Guy” Livingston Scholarship acknowledges a member's scholastic achievements and dedication to Phi Tau Sigma. The Phi Tau Sigma Founders’ Scholarship is given to a member whose graduate research has had or is expected to have, a significant impact.
Membership
Members are elected as undergraduates, graduate students, or after graduation in recognition of their achievements and to facilitate their active participation in Phi Tau Sigma and the profession of food science and technology. Potential student members must have a Grade Point Average equal to or greater than 3.5, or equivalent and must be pursuing a degree in food science of the equivalent.Potential professional members should have a minimum of five years of work experience in food science and technology beyond a B.S. degree, four years beyond an M.S. degree, or 2 years beyond a PhD degree in industry, government, or an academic institution.
Chapters
Following is a list of Phi Tau Sigma chapters.Governance
Phi Tau Sigma is a body with its own elected officers and is separate from the scientific professional organization, the Institute of Food Technologists. Over the years its relationship with IFT has varied, but currently, it has a mutual and respectful partnership with IFT in the following areas:It has an Executive Committee made up of the president, president-elect, past president, treasurer, executive secretary, six at-large councilors, and six alternate at-large councilors. It also has a Leadership Council consisting of representatives of chapters.
Notable members
- Rodolphe Barrangou, probiotics researcher
- Robert V. Decareau, food scientist who was involved in the development of microwave applications in food technology
- Carl R. Fellers, food scientist and microbiologist
- Lois Graham, mechanical engineer
- Gideon Livingston, food scientist and founder of Phi Tau Sigma
- John J. Powers, food scientist who was involved in the creation of the Food Science Department at University of Georgia
- Samuel Cate Prescott, food scientist and microbiologist