Currently working as an External Innovation manager within the XI team. The purpose of the role is to grow and manage innovation opportunities in line with the PepsiCo innovation strategy. Working with academics, CROs, startups, ventures and suppliers to drive forward the innovation agenda for R&D.I also am the global lead for new innovations across food safety, microbiology, quality and regulatory affairs.Previously worked for PepsiCo R&D Europe supporting all product developers in the snacks, nutrition and dairy categories. I was their point of contact for food safety in the early stage of product development until transferred into operations. I was involved in the delivery of HACCP training and supporting development of HACCP plans across the region.Provided support for product developers across the European sector on the development of their projects and bringing them through a Technical Stage Gate program accessing the risks and hazards.I was also involved in reviewing and updating specifications and limits across all product categories in Europe.In my previous role in P&G I was responsible for the microbiology on site and helping improve compliance to Clean design standards. I was involved in all affected innovations and projects on site involving significant savings for the site including implementation of a new RO unit, new and faster testing methods and 'real time' data analysis and sample tracking.Completed my PhD in 2011 from University College Dublin. My PhD was a cross disipline project which comprised of pharmaceutical chemistry, microbiology and cell biology, looking into to anti cancer and anti bacterial effect of conjugated peptides on cell lines.