Abigail Thiel, Ph.D.

Experience

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  DairiConcepts

  May 2012 - Aug 2012

  Processing/ Manufacturing Intern
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  Microbiology Lab

  Sept 2012 - May 2013

  Research Assistant
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  Nestlé S.A.

  May 2013 - Aug 2013

  Product Development Intern
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  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Jun 2014 - Jul 2021

  •Conducted research on various confections, including chocolate, caramel, gummies, jellies, and ice cream, focusing on optimizing formulations, improving sensory qualities, and refining production processes.•Coordinated with external vendors to manage chemical inventory and lab supplies, ensuring efficient operations and resource availability for research projects.•Provided technical support and training on advanced research equipment (e.g., rheometer, DSC, texture analyzer, viscometer), enhancing team productivity and facilitating smooth project execution.•Collaborated with technical sales teams to resolve equipment issues, honing skills in problem-solving and cross-functional communication. Show less

  • Lecturer

    Jul 2020 - Jul 2021

  • PhD Candidate

    Jun 2014 - Jun 2020
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  Abbey the Food Scientist

  Mar 2020 - now

  I recently launched my first online course, Food Science for Beginners (https://bit.ly/FS4Beginners), designed to make learning food science easy and accessible. The course includes over 7 hours of video content covering essential topics like water, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in foods, as well as practical insights into extending shelf life and ensuring food safety.I also wrote an accompanying e-book specifically for beginners without a science background, making it easier to dive into food science concepts.With a PhD in food science and over 7 years of teaching experience at universities, I’m thrilled to bring this knowledge to a wider audience. Show less •Built and scaled an educational food science channel to 41,000+ subscribers and 1.4 million views, demonstrating expertise in science communication that drives engagement and education on complex scientific topics.•Led all aspects of content production—planning, scripting, filming, editing, and publishing—showcasing strong project management skills and the ability to maintain brand consistency and mission focus.•Enhanced public understanding of food science by translating intricate research into accessible, visually engaging content. Show less

  • Course Instructor- Food Science for Beginners

    Oct 2024 - now

  • Food Science YouTuber

    Mar 2020 - now
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  Wageningen University & Research

  Jul 2021 - now

  •Managing a €2.5 million research grant focused on developing animal-free milk proteins, overseeing a large-scale collaboration among five university research groups, three food companies, and three startups to drive innovation and progress in alternative proteins.•Coordinating and streamlining communication among stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that all team members—scientists, industry professionals, and innovators—are aligned on project objectives, timelines, and deliverables.•Conducting comprehensive reporting, including progress updates, financial tracking, and milestone documentation, to uphold transparency, meet grant requirements, and facilitate accountability across diverse teams.•Organizing and leading regular cross-functional meetings, fostering collaborative discussions, knowledge sharing, and creative problem-solving to advance project milestones. Skilled in navigating varied communication styles and perspectives to build consensus and maintain momentum. Show less

  • Project Manager

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Postdoctoral Researcher

    Jul 2021 - Jul 2023