I am a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and dedicated food scientist with a passion for sustainability, innovation, and all things chemistry with a Ph.D. in Food Science and minors in Polymer Chemistry and Food Microbiology from Cornell University. My Ph.D. research focused on the production of bio-based biodegradable food packaging through industrially scalable means to create products with “clean-labels” and, more importantly, packaged food products which rely less on preservatives. I started my postdoctoral work in chemical engineering, looking to expand my research repertoire, learn new chemistry techniques, and promote environmentally friendly solutions to new research questions. I believe that collaboration and building community is key to problem solving and innovating. By relying on a diversity of knowledge and insight, greater solutions and understanding can be achieved.I have expertise in food science, polymer chemistry, microbiology, and additive manufacturing/3D Printing while acquiring west coast, east coast, and international wet lab research experience. I have acquired HACCP and SQF certifications as well as an online teaching certification from Rowan University.A few of my credentials include:- Synthesizing, formulating, and processing sustainable solutions for traditional petroleum-based plastics for our food system and beyond- Material synthesis of biodegradable nonmigratory active packaging through reactive extrusion- Development of microbiological assays for spoilage microorganisms- Expertise in polymer characterization techniques including but not limited to DMA, DSC, ATR-FTIR, NIR, Tensile properties, fracture recovery, dye assays- Guest judge at Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s Food Waste Repacked Innovation Challenge- Published and presented in top research publications and conferences