Cover Maria Leonora Lotis Francisco, PhD, has made incredible contributions to food science: currently a professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, she has over 30 years of experience, with her expertise spanning consumer and sensory science, food packaging, product development and processing optimisation (Photo: courtesy of Institute of Food Technologists; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
Maria Leonora Lotis Francisco, PhD, has made incredible contributions to food science: currently a professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, she has over 30 years of experience, with her expertise spanning consumer and sensory science, food packaging, product development and processing optimisation (Photo: courtesy of Institute of Food Technologists; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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Dr Maria Leonora Lotis Francisco has been honoured as an Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) fellow in recognition of her distinguished contributions to food science
Filipino food technologist and UP Diliman professor Dr Maria Leonora Francisco is among the chosen fellows of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), an international nonprofit organisation committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the globe.
Being named an IFT fellow represents one of the highest honours conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in the food research industry.
With more than 30 years of experience in the academe, Dr Francisco’s research interests span consumer and sensory science, product development, food functionality, peanut processing and quality food packaging.
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Above With more than 30 years of experience in the academe, Dr Francisco’s research interests span consumer and sensory science, product development, food functionality, peanut processing and quality food packaging. (Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels)
With more than 30 years of experience in the academe, Dr Francisco’s research interests span consumer and sensory science, product development, food functionality, peanut processing and quality food packaging. (Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels)
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Her significant contributions to the field have earned her numerous recognitions, including the Certified Food Scientist (CFS) title awarded by the International Food Science Certification Commission of the Institute of Food Technologists (USA) in 2013, and her election as a Fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology in 2022.
Dr Francisco has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Food Technology, Food Science and PhD Food Science. She earned her PhD in Food Science from the University of Georgia, USA, in 2009. She also holds two Master’s degrees: one in Applied Science (Food Science and Technology) from the University of Western Sydney, Australia and another in Food Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
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Above Dr Francisco has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Food Technology, Food Science and PhD Food Science (Photo: Anna Shvets/ Pexels)
Dr Francisco has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Food Technology, Food Science and PhD Food Science (Photo: Anna Shvets/ Pexels)
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“It was an honour to recognise these outstanding individuals at IFT FIRST this year,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. “Their work exemplifies the power of applying expertise to real-world challenges, and their contributions are helping to drive innovation, inspire collaboration, and advance a more sustainable global food system.”
Dr Francisco joins a distinguished roster of elected IFT fellows from prestigious universities and research institutions around the world. This includes Dr Eva Almenar from Michigan State University, Dr Jung H Han of Purdue University and Unlimeat, Inc, Dr Soo-Yeun Lee from Washington State University, Dr Marleny D.A. Saldaña of the University of Alberta and Dr Subramaniam Sathivel from Louisiana State University.
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Credits
Images: Institute of Food Technologists
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
