University Communications

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UWRF Hosts Food Science Quiz Bowl

By Jessica Bergan
University Communications

MAY 15, 2009 | The University of Wisconsin-River Falls hosted the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) Midwest College Bowl Competition where hundreds of students from UWRF, UW-Madison, University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, and University of Nebraska tested their food science savvy.

“You could feel the tension of the team members anxiously awaiting the next question, ready to hit the buzzer,” said Bonnie Walters, a UWRF food science professor.

Representing UWRF were food science and technology majors: Jake Mallmann, a senior from Mayville; Josh Burgan, a senior from Grafton; Erick Weidman, a junior from Sturgeon Bay; and Andy Paulson, a junior from Minneapolis. The Iowa State University team took first place, and the University of Minnesota took second. ISU will now have the opportunity to travel to Anaheim, Calif., to compete in the national contest in June.

The UWRF team placed well in the contest this year, holding their ground with four undergraduates, unlike the other universities who have graduate students competing, said Walters. Each team submits approximately 20 questions written by faculty or students relative to food science courses offered at the school. The questions are then submitted to IFTSA in January, and its quiz bowl committee selects the correct amount of questions for the quiz bowl that year.

The UWRF team also got an opportunity to showcase our campus while the visiting schools were here and hosted the competing teams with dinner at the Westwind Supper Club as well as breakfast, provided by the support of local businesses, the morning of the event.

Walters gave a presentation on the future of food science and for those students who have degrees in the field. Members of the UWRF Food Science Club coordinated the event.

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Last updated: Thursday, 22-Apr-2010 16:09:39 CDT