Leanne Willson Email & Phone Number

• Perform analytical, microbiological and sensorial testing on in-process and finished products• Organize, test and communicate results for various product trials from the commencement to the completion of the project, meanwhile using analytical thinking to discuss improvements for streamlining future products. • Responsible for the release of product on a daily basis by using SAP and Progress systems - ensuring non-conforming products do not get released. • Conduct root cause analysis for non-conforming products; communicating to management and production any deviations that need to be made based on product specifications• Implement new testing methods based on ISO standards• Purchase necessary laboratory supplies from multiple vendors ensuring lowest cost

Montreal, Canada Area

•Evaluated the optimization of immobilization of levansucrase onto supports; it was found that glyoxyl-agarose supports were ideal for maintaining specific activity. Activity and protein yields, as well as product formation, were analyzed using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. •Worked with my supervisor to design experimentation schedules; prioritizing work and multitasking when required. •Enhanced lab productivity by applying time management skills to schedule busy equipment to ensure all lab experiments were completed within aggressive deadlines. •Prepared a final report, including extensive analysis of experimentation data using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and excel.

•Designed and tested experiments in McGill’s sensory laboratory and analyzed results using Compusense software•Extensively studied the effects of pulse electric field processing (PEF) on fruit juices. Reviewed the impacts of PEF on food safety and quality within the industry using commercial scale models that reduced quality impacts as compared to pasteurization •Authored two toxicology papers on toxins found in nature and their interactions with humans and mice. Understood the implications of toxins in food and how some may be unavoidable. •Researched and presented on the regulation of food allergens in Canada and the implications to the industry. Standards including CODEX and the CFIA Food and Drug Act were used to comprehensively understand the implications of allergens in food as well as determine the labelling required to minimize outbreaks. •Presented the effects of artificial sweeteners on metabolism and their impact on hormones. Determined the perception of different artificial sweeteners using sensory properties and evaluated consumer acceptance and metabolism within the body. •Investigated and presented how food fraud and authentication could be used as a driver for food traceability. Used current industry examples (Horse meat scandal in Europe) to solidify how traceability could prevent these situations in the future.

Ottawa, Canada Area

•Extracted antioxidants from pomegranates to test antioxidant activity using multiple methods including ORAC, DPPH and beta-carotene bleaching. Developed and implemented methods for use in laboratory setting. •Identified and completed experimentation with minimal supervision. Proactively tried to use new methods that were ideal for the type of sample that was used. •Developed and performed a method for HPLC analysis of anthocyanins. Accepted responsibility to manage the HPLC for the Lab, including teaching others students how to use it and troubleshooting. •Demonstrated extensive knowledge of Microsoft Power Point by creating a poster that achieved a second place finish at Carleton University Science Poster day.•Presented findings at 2012 CIFST Conference by request of Professor Farah Hosseinian.

Master Of Science (M.Sc.), Food Science

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Food Science