LENEXA, KANSAS, U.S. — Kody O’Brien was selected as the recipient of the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) Scholarship Program for Professionals, the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) announced on May 7. The scholarships will provide tuition for O’Brien to enroll in a resident milling course. O’Brien noted that he hopes to complement his existing knowledge and expertise through the resident milling course.
 
Having worked in the same mill for 10 years, O’Brien said he is excited about the chance to see and learn how milling processes vary at different mills. He is interested in learning more about how techniques are applied within a diverse industry. He said that he sees participation in the course as a way to broaden his awareness and gain knowledge to bring new ideas back to his facility and help to educate others.

 
O’Brien has been with Rogers Foods, Ltd., in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, for 10 years. He started in the packing department, and two years later he was promoted to miller. As an active member of IAOM since 2004, O’Brien has strengthened his knowledge of flour milling through attendance at district meetings, service on the district executive committee, and completion of the IAOM correspondence course.
 
The IMEF Scholarship program was established in 2008 to support the education of undergraduates in the sciences of grain milling. In 2012, the program was expanded to include training opportunities for professionals already working in the industry.