Food Protection Trends - September 2010 - 524

“REFLECTIONS”
OF YOuR president

s September is now upon us, I cannot help but ponder the coming academic year with its fresh new faces. One of the most rewarding parts of being a professor is to see that light go off…the “aha” moment, so to speak. Every year I am blessed with one or two students for which this happens. Some go on to become food microbiologists, some don’t. But being a part of their journey is an honor and a privilege. But none of us gets to where we are, personally or professionally, without some help. In fact, not without a lot of help. So, in this my first column as your president, I would like to reflect on my memories of how IAFP meetings, members, and activities have made a difference in my professional development. Like…. My first IAFP meeting (Atlanta, 1993), when I was a soon-to-be newly graduated Ph.D., knowing virtually no one and without a clue about what I was going to do for a living. I did an oral presentation on foodborne viruses at that meeting, a little recognized food safety issue at the time. But Stan Bailey took the opportunity to welcome me personally into the food microbiology fold. I also won a fly swatter in one of the session drawings (still use that fly swatter to this day!). It was at that same meeting that I met with Dr. Peggy Foegeding about a new faculty position they were advertising at NCSU. Was I perhaps interested in applying? How about Pittsburgh in 1995 and my first Professional Development group meeting, none other than the Committee on Control of Foodborne Illnesses. Talk about intimidating! But Ewen Todd and Pete Cook took me under their wings, being welcoming as ever. Or hearing Anna Lammerding talk about microbial risk assessment in Seattle (1996 and still my favorite IAFP

By LEE-ANN JAyKUS
PRESIDENT

““Thoughts as I look forward to the coming year”

venue) with such authority and passion. That was also the first meeting in which I took a lead in organizing a symposium. I remember having lunch with Ann Marie McNamara to plan our presentations, a bit scared at the prospect of having to introduce so many really qualified and experienced people. Oh, and that was also the first year I officially participated in the ILSI Hospitality

Suite (thinking, at that time mistakenly, that you needed a “formal” invitation to get in!). Then there was 1997 (Orlando), the first time one of my students won a Developing Scientist award. And the Minneapolis meeting (2001), when I really got to know Frank Busta, a dear friend and colleague. Or San Diego (my second favorite venue) when my stepson Robert snuck into one of the sessions and after I finished my presentation, asked me “what’s for dinner” (in front of about 100 people!). There are many faces that I look forward to seeing at every IAFP meeting….Bob Gravani, Helene Uhlman, Vijay Juneja, Zeb Blanton, Randy Daggs and Kathleen Rajkowski, to name but a few. And new faces abound, not just in our student members but young faculty, government and industry folks who, even early in careers, recognize that IAFP as THE food safety organization, and who are dedicating their time and talents to our association. Since New Orleans (2003), my involvement with IAFP has escalated to a level where the more recent meetings are but a blur. I now have memories of the Program Committee (meeting in Baltimore during the middle of a snowstorm) and that cold February meeting in Calgary, Canada (my husband wondered whose idea that was!). And the Executive Board…Frank Yiannas (a fellow “forward thinker”) and Carl Custer (not really sure what kind of thinker he is!). Included in these new activities has been the opportunity to “go local” and “go global.” In visiting the affiliates, I have met many dedicated professionals who frequently work at food protection behind the scenes; their efforts are invaluable. And they have been such gracious hosts (thanks, Gloria). By participating in our recent international meetings,

524 FOOD PROTECTION TRENDS | SEPTEMBER 2010

Food Protection Trends - September 2010

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