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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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