INFORM June 2026

AOCS AWARDS INFORM 21

THOMAS H. SMOUSE MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP SUMANJOT KAUR Sumanjot the University of Arkansas with a background in food technology and sustainable food systems. Her research focuses on developing bioactive compounds and materials from agricultural byproducts using advanced processing technologies. She has received numerous awards recognizing her research and innovation, including honors in sustainable food technology and student competitions. In addition to her academic achievements, Kaur is actively involved in leadership and professional development activities. Kaur is a doctoral student at

student leader, serving with the IFT Student Association and contributing to AOCS pro gramming. Her work combines fundamental lipid chemis try with applied research to improve food stability and quality. HONORED STUDENT AWARD NIRAT KATUWAL student at South Dakota State University whose research focuses on upcycling oilseed byproducts into bioactive compounds. His work explores their role in inhibiting advanced glycation end-products and related health impacts. He has authored multiple publications and regularly presents his research at scientific conferences. Katuwal is also active in AOCS, contributing to the Health and Nutrition Division as a session co-chair. HONORED STUDENT AWARD SANTOSH Nirat Katuwal is a doctoral

protein ingredients and biomaterials from agro industrial waste. He has published scientific articles and presented his work at professional conferences. His research emphasizes sustainability and innovation in food systems. Thapa has received multiple awards, including recognition from AOCS, and continues to contribute to advancements in alternative protein development. HANS KAUNITZ AWARD BINGQI CHEN of Tennessee, Knoxville, fo cusing on sustainable protein development from industri al hempseed. His research examines protein function ality, nutrition, and bioactive peptides using advanced analytical and computational approaches. He has published several articles and presented at major conferences, includ ing AOCS and IFT. Chen is an active member of professional organizations and has re ceived multiple awards recog nizing his research excellence. Bingqi Chen is a doctoral candidate at the University

THAPA Santosh Thapa is

a doctoral student at South Dakota State University, where his research centers on developing plant-based