John J. Powers (food scientist)

John Joseph Powers (February 2, 1918 – December 23, 2014) was an American food scientist who was involved in the creation of the Food Science Department at University of Georgia in Athens, GA. He also served as President of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in 1986-87 and was Editor of the Journal of Food Science and "Journal of Food Quality.^[1]

Early life and career

Powers was born on February 2, 1918 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He attended Massachusetts Agricultural College (aka Massachusetts State College, now known as UMass - Amherst) for undergraduate with a BS in Chemistry leading to a PhD in Food Technology. Noteworthy, his was the first PhD in this modern field of Food Technology/Science, different than Horticultural Manufactures of that era.

He studied under the pioneers of Food Science, Dr Carl R Fellers and Professor Walter W Chenoweth (Pioneers in Food Science Vol#2,2004)

Career at UGA

In 1947, Dr. Powers began his career at UGA and remained with UGA until his retirement in 1987. He served as department head between 1952 and 1967. He was also instrumental in developing the early curriculum, the departmental graduate program and recruiting students.

The John J. Powers Student Activity Room was dedicated Nov. 8 2002 at UGA. Designed to provide food science students with a space for activities and meetings, the activity room was made possible by donations from alumni, employees and friends of the UGA food science department.

“While instruction is the core of any college education, interaction with peers and professors in informal settings enhances the overall educational experience for students,” says Mark Harrison, a professor in the food science department. “This room will provide our students with space for this purpose.”

The room also will serve as permanent recognition of John J. Powers, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Food Science. As head of the department, Powers was instrumental in developing the department into an internationally recognized program.

Research interests

Powers's research was food processing and sensory evaluation.

Professional service

Powers was a member of the IFT, where he served as President in 1986-87 and was an editor of the Journal of Food Science and "Journal of Food Quality"

Awards

• Fellow - Institute of Food Technologist
• Nicholas Appert Award from the Institute of Food Technologists- 1984
• William V. Cruess Award from the Institute of Food Technologists- 1982

Scholarships

The $1,500 John J. & Irene T. Powers Scholarship endowed by IFT member John J. Powers and his wife Irene. Information about this scholarship can be obtained through IFT. Awarded to a graduate student majoring in Food Science with outstanding academic potential and a commitment to food processing and sensory evaluation fields as a career goal.

John J. Powers Scholarship fund endowed at The University of Georgia Foundation provides income which is annually given to Graduate Student(s) majoring in Food Science at The University of Georgia and is based on academic achievements and leadership qualities.

References

http://www.caes.uga.edu/departments/fst/pdffiles/Newsletter%202002.pdf http://www.ift.org/cms/?pid=1001658 http://www.uga.edu/columns/021028/digest.html