Erik Kurdelak is currently the Manager of the Pilot Plant in Purdue University’s Department of Food Science.  In addition to his work in the Pilot Plant, Erik also manages the Food Science Department’s Skidmore Sales and Distributing Food Product Development Laboratory. Erik earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University Food Science in the field of Food Manufacturing Operations in 2001, and he is certified in Food Microbiology and in International Food Law by SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). Since graduation, Erik has held leadership roles in very large scale, in moderate scale, and in start-up scale food manufacturing operations. Erik has served on the Executive Board for the Indiana Section of IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) since 2015.  He is currently President-Elect of the Indiana Section, and he will take on the role of Indiana Section President on September 1^st, 2020.  Additionally, Erik is the Owner & President of Food Manufacturing Solutions, LLC, providing food manufacturing consulting services to the industry.