Student Night – Beyond the Buzzwords
Beyond the Buzzwords
What do terms like clean label, ultra-processed foods, and additives really mean for today’s food supply?
This panel brings together experts in food processing, regulatory affairs, and consumer insights to explore the essential role of processing in delivering safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods—while addressing misconceptions about ultra-processed products and additives.
Montclair students can share their posters at Student Night, but cannot participate in the competition. If you’d like to present at Student Night, contact us so we can have an easel for you.
Meet the Panelists
MODERATOR
Dr. Donald W. Schaffner
Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University
Bio
Dr. Schaffner is a Distinguished Professor and Department Chair at Rutgers University, specializing in quantitative microbial risk assessment, predictive food microbiology, and handwashing research. He has authored more than 200 peer‑reviewed publications and served on expert committees for organizations including the National Academy of Sciences, WHO, and FAO. He is also a Fellow of multiple scientific societies and co‑hosts the “Food Safety Talk” and “Risky or Not” podcasts.
Bio
Allie Hall is a Research Associate in the Analytical Characterization and Texture Science group at Ingredion Incorporated.
She has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a PhD in Food Science and Technology from Cornell University, where she studied the effect of high pressure processing on the structure, functionality, and digestibility of plant-based proteins.
She continues to research the connection between plant-based protein processing, structure, and functionality at Ingredion to support the development of innovative protein ingredients.
Bio
Lauren Swann, MS, RD, LDN, is a Registered & Licensed Dietitian and B2B consultant specializing in labeling regulations and marketing communications seasoned with a passion for cultural foodways to effectively deliver accurate nutrition messages where food policy, consumer trends and public health meet, intersect or collide!
She’s managed regulatory compliance at Fortune 50 food companies and advised micro startups, regional manufacturers and established brand leaders worldwide. Lauren loves helping folks figure out the facts about food so they can decide what’s good to eat!
She’s published in the trade and popular press, appeared on local and national media, presented at major conferences, developed online training webinars, guest lectured at major universities, served on executive boards, created and currently moderates LinkedIn’s largest and most active Food Labeling & Advertising and Cultural Foodways groups. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science In Medical Dietetics from Howard University and a Master of Science in Nutrition Communications from Boston University.
Bio
Helen is a strategic, results‑driven leader with more than 30 years of experience directing product development, food safety, quality, and regulatory programs across global CPG, emerging‑technology, and co‑manufacturing organizations. She is highly skilled in commercializing innovative products, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and building high‑performing cross‑functional teams that drive growth. She is also adept at seamlessly pivoting between tactical execution and strategic initiatives to meet evolving business needs.
Location
Schedule
Thursday, February 19 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
| Poster Session & Career Fair | 4:00 PM |
| Speaker Presentations | 5:45 PM |
| Panel Discussion | 6:00 PM |
| Dinner | 7:00 PM |
Dinner Buffet
- Mediterranean Chicken Thighs w/chickpeas and Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach
- Baked Honey Glazed Salmon
- Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Pesto with White Beans, Roasted Potatoes in Garlic Broth
- Oven Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes
- Seasonal Mixed Vegetables
- Mixed Baby Greens with Tomato and Cucumber with Vinaigrette Dressing
- Assorted Dinner Rolls with Butter
- Orchard’s Harvest Fruit Salad
- Mini Red Velvet, Vanilla and Chocolate Cupcakes
- Coffee, Tea, Decaf
Fees
| Members | $55 |
| Non-Members | $60 |
| Unemployed, Retired, & EXCOM Members | $30 |
| Rutgers & Montclair Students | $15 |