Alumni
Our new Alumni Excellence Award celebrates outstanding FScN graduates whose work has demonstrated leadership, impact, and achievement. This award honors alumni who have made significant contributions to the Department, their field, and beyond, embodying the spirit and mission of FScN.
The 2025 Food Science honoree is Misen Luu (Food Science MS ‘20). Misen has demonstrated consistent and impressive advancement in his career in the short time since graduating from our program and currently serves as a Technical Marketing Manager at Puris. Misen also has an extensive record of service and contribution to the field of food science and to FScN/CFANS. He currently serves as the President of the Minnesota Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (MNIFT). Misen regularly volunteers at CFANS Homecoming events and participates in MN State Fair CFANS displays. He is a valued contributor to the plant protein and food science communities in Minnesota and facilitates growth of professional networks through his leadership in organizing events.
The 2025 Nutrition/Dietetics honoree is Ali Webster, PhD, RD, who is an alumna of the FScN Nutrition Science BS (‘09) and Nutrition PhD (‘15) programs. Ali has had a positive impact on the students of the department as both a CFANS Mentor and as a guest speaker for the SNAC and SOND student groups. Dr. Webster’s contributions to the field of nutrition and dietetics are also quite notable. She served in several leadership roles in research and communications during her time with the International Food Information Council and currently serves as a nutrition policy researcher for the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, assisting with the 2025 Dietary Guidelines development process. Ali is also highly involved in the Minnesota chapter of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) and was recognized as their 2025 Young Dietitian of the Year.
Students
Graduate and undergraduate students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership, and engagement within the Department and who excelled academically, professionally, and personally during their time in the program were selected to receive our 2025 Outstanding Student Awards
- Cassandra McMechen (Senior in Nutrition)
- Sophie Schneblin (Food Science BS ‘25)
- Caitlin Kruschke (Food Science MS ‘25)
- Jocelyne Koudou (Dietetics MPS ‘25)
- Junwei Zhang (Nutrition PhD Candidate)
Congratulations again to these students, who were presented with their awards earlier this spring during our commencement reception.
Staff
Corrie Marion, our DPD Director, is the first ever recipient of the Renee Rosen Excellence in Teaching Award. Corrie is an invaluable course instructor and an expert resource for students seeking to become dietitians. Numerous FScN faculty and staff have emphasized her contributions to the Department and how she fosters an unparalleled educational experience for our students. In 2024, Corrie was also selected by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to receive an Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award. The Renee Rosen Excellence in Teaching Award was named as such to commemorate one of our beloved nutrition educators. Dr. Rosen demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and impact in her teaching and embodied a true commitment to student success. This award honors individuals who do the same.
Our second staff honoree is our Graduate Program Coordinator Andrew Howe, who received the Edith L. Balthazor Staff Excellence Award. This award, named for the first Executive Secretary of our predecessor, the Department of Food Science & Industries, celebrates an FScN staff member whose contributions have been instrumental in advancing the mission, operations, and impact of our department. Andrew is noted for his administrative leadership in adapting and improving our graduate programs and their operation as well as for his contributions to our renewed Departmental Vision Plan. Additionally, Andrew was selected to receive the CFANS Pioneering and Innovation Award earlier this spring for his work in facilitating new graduate program offerings.
Congratulations to Andrew and Corrie on these recognitions!