Food Science Faculty, Staff, Students Help Lead IFT Ozark Section for Networking Event at Walmart's Culinary and Innovation Center

The Institute of Food Technologists - Ozark Section, or OIFT, will host the 2nd IFT Ozark Connect - Stories That Inspire from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Walmart's Culinary and Innovation Center in Bentonville.

The event is being organized under the leadership of Han-Seok Seo, professor in the Department of Food Science and president of OIFT. Seo is also a researcher with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the U of A System Division of Agriculture.

"More than 100 academic and industry professionals in food-related areas across Arkansas and parts of Missouri are involved in the Ozark Section," Seo said. "Four faculty members, two staff members and seven undergraduate and graduate students, along with industry professionals, are serving on the leadership team this year."

The IFT - Ozark Section recently launched the invited talk series, IFT Ozark Connect: Stories That Inspire, to strengthen connections among food science professionals, students and industry partners in the region. Stephanie Lawrence, senior manager in Sensory and Consumer Sciences at Walmart, will be the featured speaker for the series' second event.

Lawrence's presentation, titled "Tour of Walmart's Culinary & Innovation Center," will introduce attendees to Walmart's new headquarters campus, with a special focus on the Culinary and Innovation Center.

About the Speaker: Stephanie Lawrence

Lawrence earned a master's degree in food science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She began her career conducting contract sensory work for large companies through the Sensory Service Center. She later moved into the adult beverage industry at Beam Suntory, now known as Suntory Global Spirits, where she continued working in sensory science with a focus on product sensory quality and descriptive analysis.

Lawrence currently works in sensory and consumer sciences at Walmart, where she plays a key role in the development and launch of Walmart private brand products sold in stores nationwide.

The event is RSVP-based and open only to OIFT members. Those interested in attending should RSVP by Wednesday, May 6, 2026, using the following form: https://uark.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3WqvfLPkpF7Ectg

Individuals who would like to become OIFT members can join through the Institute of Food Technologists website at https://www.ift.org/ift-membership/become-a-member/.

The Institute of Food Technologists is the largest professional organization for food-related scientists and industry professionals.