Focused on the conversion of almond hulls into protein-enriched animal feed supplements through the use of a solid-state fermentation conversion process. Almond hulls are degraded by thermophilic fungi which increases crude protein content of the biomass. The feasibility of converting almond hulls to protein-rich fungal biomass and its suitability as feed supplements was evaluated.

Researched the consolidated bioprocessing of alkaline and enzyme pretreated perennial grasses using Clostridium thermocellum under the supervision of Dr. Mari Chinn in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department

• Tested a new gene technology in order to improve the enzymatic yield of specific fungal expression systems• Utilized SnapGene molecular biology software to design and construct plasmids• Laboratory

Performed undergraduate research with Dr. Mari Chinn through the Biological Engineering Department in her research involving biofuels from lignocellulosic materials

Performed flocculation tests and analyzed data from the experiments in order to help develop a quantitative method for dosing flocculation chemicals for certain products

• Intern in the Fermentation Production group• Implemented and optimized a pH controlled dosing strategy on three of Novozymes fungal products utilizing PID controls, dosing parameters, and SOP recipe factors• Created a prioritized valve automation plan for manual valves used in different fermentation processes using criteria such as error potential, time, and safety for justification• Worked with air supply to dosing tanks to gather relevant data to analyze effectiveness of air regulators• Collected pressure data from dosing tanks, generated plots of the data, and presented the results

• Tested a new in-situ sensor technology that is applicable to the upstream biotech industry for measuring cell culture analytes through execution and improvement of the SOP• Compiled organized data summaries and presented them to my team and the vendor • Collaborated with the vendor through bi-weekly meetings, presentations, and continuous communication • Experience with 5L glass and 315L stainless bioreactors: Sampling, Calibrating pH and DO probes• Laboratory