Science Reporter

• Mar 2021 - Present

Research Scientist

• Dec 2018 - May 2023

I manage Pilot's BSL-2 microbiology laboratory within the Disinfecting, Sanitizing, and Cleaning branch of new product development. I perform screening tests to drive forward disinfectant and sanitizer product development. Currently, we are in final stages of developing a bathroom disinfectant and in initial stages of developing a sanitizer for hard surfaces with a 24-our residual claim. I manage Pilot's BSL-2 microbiology laboratory within the Disinfecting, Sanitizing, and Cleaning branch of new product development. I perform screening tests to drive forward disinfectant and sanitizer product development. Currently, we are in final stages of developing a bathroom disinfectant and in initial stages of developing a sanitizer for hard surfaces with a 24-our residual claim.

Senior Food Technologist

• Jun 2017 - Dec 2018

I split my time between the production lines, where I perform product commercialization trials; the kitchen, where I work with team members to improve our efficiency in outputting caramel; and my desk, where I create necessary paperwork for new and/or amended products, design shelf life studies, and contact outside vendors for various development projects. I split my time between the production lines, where I perform product commercialization trials; the kitchen, where I work with team members to improve our efficiency in outputting caramel; and my desk, where I create necessary paperwork for new and/or amended products, design shelf life studies, and contact outside vendors for various development projects.

Senior Food Scientist

• Jan 2017 - May 2017

I was tasked with improving the shelf stability of 2Betties' high protein, gluten free snack rounds. I researched several all-natural preservatives, then implemented shelf-life studies, measuring water activity, moisture content, and pH, to determine that sunflower lecithin had the optimal effect. I was tasked with improving the shelf stability of 2Betties' high protein, gluten free snack rounds. I researched several all-natural preservatives, then implemented shelf-life studies, measuring water activity, moisture content, and pH, to determine that sunflower lecithin had the optimal effect.

Research Assistant

• Aug 2015 - May 2017

My Master's research centered around development of a novel, more effective method of fresh produce sanitation. In comparison to conventionally used chlorine treatments, which are inhibited by chlorine's binding to organic matter, sonication in combination with sonocatalytic coatings could more effectively remove microbial spoilage. Further, while chronic exposure to chlorine based sanitizer poses a health risk to employees and the use of chlorine is unpopular with consumers, sonication comes… Show more My Master's research centered around development of a novel, more effective method of fresh produce sanitation. In comparison to conventionally used chlorine treatments, which are inhibited by chlorine's binding to organic matter, sonication in combination with sonocatalytic coatings could more effectively remove microbial spoilage. Further, while chronic exposure to chlorine based sanitizer poses a health risk to employees and the use of chlorine is unpopular with consumers, sonication comes with neither of these issues. Eventually, sonication of sonocatalyst-coated equipment could be applied as a cleaning in place mechanism at food processing plants. Show less My Master's research centered around development of a novel, more effective method of fresh produce sanitation. In comparison to conventionally used chlorine treatments, which are inhibited by chlorine's binding to organic matter, sonication in combination with sonocatalytic coatings could more effectively remove microbial spoilage. Further, while chronic exposure to chlorine based sanitizer poses a health risk to employees and the use of chlorine is unpopular with consumers, sonication comes… Show more My Master's research centered around development of a novel, more effective method of fresh produce sanitation. In comparison to conventionally used chlorine treatments, which are inhibited by chlorine's binding to organic matter, sonication in combination with sonocatalytic coatings could more effectively remove microbial spoilage. Further, while chronic exposure to chlorine based sanitizer poses a health risk to employees and the use of chlorine is unpopular with consumers, sonication comes with neither of these issues. Eventually, sonication of sonocatalyst-coated equipment could be applied as a cleaning in place mechanism at food processing plants. Show less

Process Engineer

• Jun 2013 - Jun 2015

Responsible for quality and process improvements of meltblown filtration material. Managed quality equipment, specifically a Benchtop SEM for measuring fiber diameters and a Vision System for detecting defects. Successfully engineered new filtration products based on customer requests.

Technical Sales Trainee

• Aug 2012 - Jun 2013

Managed customer service for the majority of air filtration media customers. Performed order entry, arranged shipments, tended to concerns, and maintained healthy relationships with customers. Mediated between our plant and customers’ engineers to establish specifications for new air filtration media products.

Editorial Intern

• Jan 2012 - Nov 2012

Interpreted scientists' research findings into interesting articles. Edited articles submitted by other writers. Selected and obtained visual media to include in newsletter. Compiled and proofread the newsletter, which comes out every two months.

Post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Trainee

• Aug 2011 - Dec 2011

Performed intracellular protein trafficking and signaling research. Investigated the mechanism by which Golgi-Associated Retrograde Protein (GARP) localizes at the Golgi Apparatus.

Research Assistant

• May 2010 - Aug 2010

Made advancements to a novel, rapid method of length-based separation of DNA strands, Micelle End-Labeled Free Solution Electrophoresis (Micelle-ELFSE). Developed large end-labels for better separation of longer DNA strands. Made advancements to a novel, rapid method of length-based separation of DNA strands, Micelle End-Labeled Free Solution Electrophoresis (Micelle-ELFSE). Developed large end-labels for better separation of longer DNA strands.

Research Assistant

• Jun 2009 - Aug 2009

Performed literature searches for optimal cancer cell lines. Corresponded with other research groups to request materials. Edited manuscripts to be published. Performed literature searches for optimal cancer cell lines. Corresponded with other research groups to request materials. Edited manuscripts to be published.