Building the Next Generation of Food Safety Leaders: Applications Open for Dr. Schmidt Student Award

The future of food safety depends on fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. That's why 3-A SSI is proud to announce applications are now open for the 2025 Dr. Ron Schmidt Student Travel Award , offering ambitious students a career-defining opportunity to attend the Summit on Hygienic Design this May in Chicago.

This prestigious award, honoring the legacy of Dr. Ronald H. Schmidt, provides full-time students with comprehensive access to one of the industry's premier events on hygienic design. Winners receive an experience that includes airfare, hotel accommodation at the Marriott Chicago O'Hare, and conference registration for the May 6-8 summit, "Hygienic Food Processing Equipment: Design, Inspection, and Fabrication Essentials."

"This award opens doors for students passionate about advancing food safety through better equipment design," says Meri Beth Wojtaszek, Executive Director of 3-A SSI. "We're looking for candidates who share Dr. Schmidt's commitment to innovation in hygienic design and food safety standards."

Beyond the educational sessions, award recipients gain invaluable networking opportunities through dedicated events, including student dinners, equipment demonstrations, and the chance to present their research to industry leaders. Past recipients have leveraged these connections into promising career opportunities in food safety, engineering, and equipment design.

The ideal candidates are full-time students in food technology, engineering, food science, dairy science, or related programs who are eager to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical industry applications. Whether you're researching advanced cleaning systems or developing new approaches to sanitary design, this summit provides direct exposure to the latest innovations and industry standards.

Interested students should submit their applications by March 14, 2025. The complete application package must include:

- Candidate Application Form  with a statement of interest outlining career objectives and interest in hygienic design

- Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member or department head

Have questions about the application process or award details? Don't hesitate to reach out to Meri Beth Wojtaszek at mb@3-a.org. Ready to apply? Submit your complete application package as a single PDF file to the same email address.

Mark your calendars: Winners will be notified by April 1, 2025, with plenty of time to prepare for this career-enhancing opportunity in May.

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