Collaborating on the following projects:* USDA project related to the contribution of broccoli to gut health.* Mead Johnson project related to the fermentation of oligosaccharides by selected probiotic bacteria.* National Honey Board project related to the effect of adding honey to probiotic yogurt to improve gut health.

Graduate Teaching AssistantCoursesApplied Microbiology Methods, Spring 2019• Provided assistance with planning lab sessions and work with students on proper microbial techniques.• Coordinated and delivered a 110 min laboratory sessionFood and Industrial Microbiology, Spring 2018• Provided assistance in organization and implementation of course.• Wrote and administered examinations• Wrote and delivered a 70 min lecture.Graduate Research Assistant (2016)• Lead a research project focused on analyzing the microbial communities in commercially available Queso Fresco in Champaign County.

• Mentored a visiting Master student from Mexico to evaluate commercial antimicrobials, alone and in mixtures as antilisterials to be added into fresh cheese.• Collaborated with ADM (Decatur, IL) to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts for potential use in meat patties.

• General laboratory maintenance and technical support to undergraduate and graduate students.• Dairy processing pilot plant responsible• Administrative support and authorized purchasing agent.