Experience

The trū Shrimp Companies

• United States
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director, Water Chemistry, Microbiology & Laboratory Services

  • Mar 2019 - Present

  United States

• Research Scientist - Habitat & Microbiology, Manager Analytical Laboaratory

  • Apr 2016 - Mar 2019

  Balaton, MN Prepare company research dashboard to include water quality, growth,microbiology and animal health data as well as other key performance indexes. Analyze water chemistry results and set action points as needed; recognized abnormal test results and devised corrective actions to retain accurate and valid results. Analyze microbial ecology of the tank(s) and animals to recommend future research topics and protocols. Compose and review research protocols as needed; performed research into… Show more Prepare company research dashboard to include water quality, growth,microbiology and animal health data as well as other key performance indexes. Analyze water chemistry results and set action points as needed; recognized abnormal test results and devised corrective actions to retain accurate and valid results. Analyze microbial ecology of the tank(s) and animals to recommend future research topics and protocols. Compose and review research protocols as needed; performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and ability to provide valuable contributions. Collect and analyze data for bio-filtration units; determine additional research required and implement new procedures. Manage active cultures of autotrophic bacterial species for use in water treatment. Perform animal health exams as needed. Design, implement and problem solve polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols and procedures. Study the microbiome of Penaeus vannamei (White-Leg Shrimp) to determine composition and relative abundance changes brought on by diet and physiological changes. Study the microbiome of various levels of development for biological filtration of nitrogen laden water to determine the correct composition and abundances needed for peak performance. Led a team of three full time professional employees, overseeing research proposals, implementation and final reporting. Developed and implement training practices for new employees and continuing education for current employees. Manage equipment validation on-site and calibration schedule with third-party vendors. Key role in developing and managing on-site Health & Biosecurity Manual. Perform, manage and report monthly environmental monitoring.- Maintain professional relationships with industry experts. Complete testing projects by deadline and under budget for company-wide initiatives. Handle specimens according to laboratory protocols to maximize accuracy and precision of results.



Newport Laboratories Inc, a Vaxxinova Company

• Viral/ Cell Culture Production Supervisor

  • Nov 2014 - Apr 2016

  Worthington, MN Propagated Swine Influenza Virus, Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus, Blue Tongue Virus, Rotavirus, Teschovirus, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Viral, Bovine Herpes Virus, Bovine Coronavirus and Pseudocowpox strains for autogenous vaccines Proficient in cell culture processes and techniques Managed a team of 5 full time staff Planned and directed the daily running of Viral/Cell Culture laboratory activities Maintained proper records in accordance with USDA… Show more Propagated Swine Influenza Virus, Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus, Blue Tongue Virus, Rotavirus, Teschovirus, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Viral, Bovine Herpes Virus, Bovine Coronavirus and Pseudocowpox strains for autogenous vaccines Proficient in cell culture processes and techniques Managed a team of 5 full time staff Planned and directed the daily running of Viral/Cell Culture laboratory activities Maintained proper records in accordance with USDA regulations Developed standard operating procedures and production logs in accordance with USDA regulations and company outlines Problem solved by analyzing production methods and corrected procedures to ensure the best possible product Scheduled employee training and maintain records to ensure full compliance with the USDA regulations Assisted Research and Development department with product improvements

• Production Planner

  • Dec 2008 - Apr 2016

  Worthington, MN Completed Six-Sigma awareness training Identified, collected data, composed and analyzed Key Performance Indexes for identifying strengths and weaknesses in Industrial Operations Instructed formal educational courses for co-workers from various departments including: Microsoft Excel training, file formulation based on titer data and the use of Great Plains software Developed and maintain a database to forecast the availability of products both Custom Made and Commercial… Show more Completed Six-Sigma awareness training Identified, collected data, composed and analyzed Key Performance Indexes for identifying strengths and weaknesses in Industrial Operations Instructed formal educational courses for co-workers from various departments including: Microsoft Excel training, file formulation based on titer data and the use of Great Plains software Developed and maintain a database to forecast the availability of products both Custom Made and Commercial vaccine Organized top level meeting to communicate strengths and weaknesses between departments to encourage team work, review KPI and develop action plans Team lead for Global Audit Response group Scheduled manufacturing and ensure product is complete when needed Developed electronic production logs which automatically calculate needed supplies and titers for added efficiency, consistency and quality product formulation Developed multi-functional databases which generate programmed reports on demand Maintained internal customer relations with the Case Managers Assisted in maintaining inventory supplies to ensure no bottlenecks in production Consulted for the Viral /Cell Culture /Bacterin and Commercial Product staff when needed Maintained proper records in accordance with USDA regulations Developed standard operating procedures and production logs in accordance with USDA regulations and company outlines Analyzed production methods and improve procedures to ensure the best possible product Designed, issued, collected data and analyzed time studies in various departments to quantify capacity and predict/prevent future bottlenecks Performed data entry, word processing, dictation, and small computer repairs Extremely well versed in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Access and have experience in the use and implementation of Great Plains software Managed a staff of 1 full time employee- Schedule employee training and maintain records to ensure full compliance with the USDA regulations

• Viral/Cell Culture Production Supervisor

  • Nov 2004 - Dec 2008

  Worthington, MN Propagated Swine Influenza, Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome, Entrovirus, EncephaloMyoCardio, Blue Tongue Virus, Rotavirus, Teschovirus, and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Viral strains for autogenous vaccines Proficient in cell culture processes and techniques Managed a team of 6 full time staff Planned and directed the daily running of viral/ cell culture laboratory activities Maintained proper records in accordance with USDA regulations Developed standard operating… Show more Propagated Swine Influenza, Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome, Entrovirus, EncephaloMyoCardio, Blue Tongue Virus, Rotavirus, Teschovirus, and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Viral strains for autogenous vaccines Proficient in cell culture processes and techniques Managed a team of 6 full time staff Planned and directed the daily running of viral/ cell culture laboratory activities Maintained proper records in accordance with USDA regulations Developed standard operating procedures and production logs in accordance with USDA regulations and company outlines Problem solved by analyzing production methods and corrected procedures to ensure the best possible product Assisted in the development of a specialized method of vaccine production involving a patented virus, and collaborated with the scientist in charge of the project Assisted in the implementation of a new computer accounting program at the production site (Great Plains)