Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Max Participants: 65 people
Registration Deadline: May 27th
Price: $10 for Members, $15 for Non-Members
Location: Synergy Flavors
1500 Synergy Drive
Wauconda, IL 60084
Join us at Synergy Flavors Inc. for a flavor-packed experience! Step into the world of taste with our presenter Rex Jackson, Flavor Chemist II, and our Sensory Team as they dive into the fascinating world of bubblegum flavor creation.
Discover the secrets behind describing this fantasy flavor, the artistry involved in its development, and the intriguing differences among bubblegum brands. But that’s not all!
Immerse yourself in our lab and commercial spaces with guided tours, while indulging in a delightful buffet and beverages. Get ready for an unforgettable blend of education, networking, and, of course, flavor exploration!
All proceeds of this event through the IFT Chicago Section will be donated to the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation.
Rex Jackson, Flavor Chemist II
Rex is a Certified Flavorist with degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry from Monmouth College. With over 12 years in the flavor industry, he has expertise in flavoring beverages, confections, bakery items, and nutrition foods.
His proficiency in creating sweet flavors and experience in liquid development adds significant value to the Synergy team. Outside of work, Rex enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, playing board games, outdoor activities, and photography.
Katie Nance – Manager of Sensory at Synergy Flavors
Katie leads a team of four in delivering high-quality sensory insights. With 7 years of IFT volunteering, she’s served in roles like the Speaker Ready room and Sensory and Consumer Sciences division.
She holds an MS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a BS from Pittsburg State University.
Before joining her current role, Katie managed a microbiology lab for a pet food company and cared for marine life at an aquarium.
Alden Riak – Sensory Scientist III at Synergy Flavors
Alden specializes in Discrimination, Descriptive Analysis, and Consumer studies. With over 5 years in IFT’s Sensory & Consumer Science Division, he’s held multiple roles, currently as Chair. He spoke at the 2023 FIRST conference and will present at the Summer 2024 FIRST conference.
Alden earned his MS from Penn State and BS from Iowa State, where he began sensory research as a freshman nine years ago. He welcomes questions, especially from students, on IFT, academia, or sensory science.
Caroline Lee – Sensory Scientist at Synergy Flavors
Caroline earned her degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2022, with a minor in Business.
As co-president of the Association of Food Technologists Club, she connected UIUC students with the IFT Student Association.
Chicago Section IFT
P.O. Box 926
Lombard, IL 60148
630-916-4960
info@chicagoift.org
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