John Joseph

Background

Powers was born on February 2, 1918 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Education

He attended Massachusetts Agricultural College (aka Massachusetts State College, now known as UMass - Amherst) for undergraduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry leading to a Doctor of Philosophy in Food Technology. Noteworthy, his was the first Doctor of Philosophy in this modern field of Food Technology/Science, different than Horticultural Manufactures of that era. He studied under the pioneers of Food Science, Doctor Carl R Fellers and Professor Walter West Chenoweth (Pioneers in Food Science Volume(s)#2,2004).

Career

He also served as President of the Institute of Food Technologists (Institute of Food Technologists) in 1986-1987 and was Editor of the Journal of Food Science and "Journal of Food Quality. In 1947, Doctor Powers began his career at UGA and remained with UGA until his retirement in 1987. He served as department head between 1952 and 1967.

He was also instrumental in developing the early curriculum, the departmental graduate program and recruiting students.

The John Jay Powers Student Activity Room was dedicated November 8 2002 at UGA. Designed to provide food science students with a space for activities and meetings, the activity room was made possible by donations from alumni, employees and friends of the UGA food science department.

“While instruction is the core of any college education, interaction with peers and professors in informal settings enhances the overall educational experience for students,” says Mark Harrison, a professor in the food science department. “This room will provide our students with space for this purpose.”

The room also will serve as permanent recognition of John Jay Powers, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Food Science.

As head of the department, Powers was instrumental in developing the department into an internationally recognized program

Powers"s research was food processing and sensory evaluation. Information about this scholarship can be obtained through Institute of Food Technologists. Awarded to a graduate student majoring in Food Science with outstanding academic potential and a commitment to food processing and sensory evaluation fields as a career goal.

Achievements

• Fellow - Institute of Food Technologist Nicholas Appert Award from the Institute of Food Technologists- 1984 William V. Cruess Award from the Institute of Food Technologists- 1982.

Membership

Powers was a member of the Institute of Food Technologists, where he served as President in 1986-1987 and was an editor of the Journal of Food Science and "Journal of Food Quality".