UMaine Professor Named Fellow for Contributions to Food Science
Contact: Alfred Bushway, (207) 581-1629; Aimee Dolloff, (207) 581-3777
ORONO, Maine – University of Maine Professor Alfred Bushway has been selected as an Institute of Food Technologists Fellow for 2009 for his contributions to the industry in the areas of food processing and food safety for fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat and poultry.
Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is a nonprofit scientific society with 22,000 members working in food science, food technology, and related professions in industry, academia, and government.
Fellow is a professional distinction conferred on individuals with extraordinary qualifications and experience for their contributions to the food science and technology field. Nominees typically have been IFT members for 15 years and are professional member at the time of their nomination.
“When hearing that one has been selected as an IFT Fellow, you think back on your career and the role all previous colleagues and students played in making it possible,” says Bushway. “It is the greatest honor one can receive from their professional society.”
Bushway previously was honored by IFT in 2003 with the Elizabeth Fleming Stier Award for his achievements in the industry. In 2007, he was named IFT’s Fruit and Vegetable Products Division Outstanding Member of the Year.
Bushway received his bachelor’s degree from UMaine in 1968. He then went on to receive his masters and doctoral degrees from Indiana’s Purdue University before returning to work at UMaine 10 years later.
During his 30-year career, Bushway has addressed issues affecting food production for local growers and processors throughout New England.
His lowbush blueberry research program focuses on food quality and safety and product development, as well as uses for by-products of blueberry harvest. Bushway and colleagues currently are developing chemical and biocontrol methods to reduce the mycotoxin patulin in and on apples being stored for later processing.
When he’s not teaching or conducting research, Bushway enjoys gardening, fishing, and reading and spending time with family.
Bushway will receive his award June 6 at the IFT Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Cali.
A complete list of Fellows can be found on the IFT website at www.ift.org.