Tom Aurand, Ph.D., a Lifetime Member of Phi Tau Sigma, has more than 40 years of experience in the food industry managing R & D functions.  Tom received his B.S. degree in Food Science from N.C. State University and his M.S./Ph.D. in Food Science from Cornell University.  Currently, he is a principal of Aurand & Associates, LLC, a food consulting firm specializing in new product/technology development, competitive intelligence, intellectual property capture, expert witness services, and product life cycle management in the fruit, dairy and ingredient areas. He has held management positions at Ocean Spray Cranberries, Rich Products, Wells Enterprises and Land O’Lakes where he was accountable for new product development and technical services for ingredients, food service and retail products. Other industrial experience includes serving as Secretary and Board member of Graceland Fruit, Inc, a private fruit ingredient supplier.

Tom has served on the Cornell Department of Food Science Industry Advisory Board for more than 20 years where he was active in mentoring students in the food industry while advising the department on needs and trends facing the food industry.  He has served as an adjunct professor in the Food Technology program at Buffalo State University as well as a lecturer in the University of Buffalo’s Nutrition Department.  As an Industry spokesperson on the Western New York Library Resources Council, he provided insights on the informational needs of industry and served one term as President of the Council.

Tom has been involved in the IFT organization in various functions since serving as the student representative to the IFT Education Committee during the committee’s development of the educational standards for undergraduate programs.  He has served as Councilor-at-Large for the Western New York Section of IFT and most recently as Chair of the Macy Award of the Minnesota Section of IFT. As a member of Phi Tau Sigma, Tom has provided service by chairing the Nominations and Election Committee for numerous years and is currently serving on the Future Direction Committee.

Vision for ΦΤΣ:  I am honored to be nominated as a candidate for Director of Phi Tau Sigma and would look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the growth and recognition of the Society. The Society has been very successful at encouraging, developing and recognizing students to enter the field of food science. One challenge I see is to maintain the involvement of graduating students in the Society. Post graduate involvement strengthens the Society by providing current students with information on what to expect in the “real” world.  Society programs, such as the mentoring program, can encourage post graduate involvement while exposing students to life after graduating. It is very evident that the world is rapidly changing, and this change is an opportunity to channel our efforts to provide members with programs that will ensure long term involvement in the field and in the Society. Increasing the Society’s connectivity across our membership is critical to increase our members’ involvement which will ensure a long term, viable organization.