Experience

• 

  Old dominion university

  Aug 2009 - Dec 2011

  • Prepared course materials (quiz, lecture presentation, class activity) and instruct class recitation• Instructed and supervised students performing laboratory experiments• Graded tests, quizzes, lab reports, and maintained course records• Prepared chemicals, instruments, and glassware for the weekly laboratory session • Synthesized polyaniline via chemical polymerization method• Characterized polyaniline with DSC, TGA, XRD

  • Laboratory Teaching AssistantLaboratory Chemical Preparatory Teaching Assistant

    Sept 2009 - Dec 2011

  • Research Assistant

    Aug 2009 - Dec 2011
• 

  Meadwestvaco (mwv)

  Dec 2011 - Jun 2015

  Senior researcher, polymer science & engineering

  • Provided technical support to scientists and business units on new product development.• Conducted research in polymer extrusion technology for food and beverage product development and cost reduction initiatives. • Researched and analyzed polymer resins for low-cost alternative materials for next generation packaging.• Validated design concepts to achieve Fit-For-Use requirements and satisfy customer's needs.• Developed and standardized product test methods to assess product integrity.• Supported initiatives to improve efficiency of the organization and comply with corporate safety and quality control. Show less

• 

  Westrock company

  Jul 2015 - Feb 2023

  Leading Fit-For-Use team that provides product testing services to assess substrate and product design suitability for end applications.• Supervise Fit-For-Use test service platform that supports all internal business units as well as external brand customers on sustainability projects (plastic reduction and replacement).• Prioritize projects, manage project schedules and timeline, allocate resources accordingly to deliver results in a timely manner.• Streamline work process by creating request forms, project logs, and team folder structure for document organization and retention.• Collaborate across R&D and innovation teams to drive innovation, commercialization of new products, and sales. • Expand team capabilities and increase productivity by 50% from prior fiscal year.• Lead technical work to replace poly with heat seal aqueous coating barrier. Verify technical solutions through coating trial, cup-forming trial, and scale-up trial.• Work with senior leadership to identify strategic opportunity areas to explore, develop and integrate into R&D new product development process. Show less Assessed aqueous coating barriers for technical solutions to meet sustainability standards and application specific demand. Led technical and Fit-For-Use assessments for EnShield® core commercialization projects to commercial success. • Managed WMU recyclability workstream and regulatory testing for sustainability projects across innovation team.• Performed shelf-life and Fit-For-Use testing that led to commercialization of EnShield®.• Developed new Fit-For-Use test protocols and performed analysis on prototype packages.• Conducted ice-cream tub forming trial for aqueous heat sealable coating and P1S (poly one side) for saleable trial.• Actively engaged with customers to deliver necessary results. Show less Provided technical contributions to WestRock's Packaging Innovation Group in the development of converting and paperboard packaging processes, in the transformation of packaging form, filling and sealing systems and in the development of new paperboard and corrugated packages. • Conducted printing/coating trial to qualify specialty coatings in development of “plastic-free” packaging. • Designed and led production of innovative packaging prototypes utilizing lab and pilot plant systems.• Planned and performed package printing and converting trials for folding carton and corrugated packaging in the commissioning and qualification phases.• Interfaced with internal/external project leaders in the development and transformation of package forms and systems to run new packages at a customer plants. Actively engaged with customers to deliver necessary results.• Managed and performed wide range of testing and analysis on prototype packages, including barrier performance, packaged strength and stability characteristics, package and product compatibility, supply and distribution performance, and shelf life performance.• Coordinated and worked with outside vendors and suppliers in the evaluation and recommendation of external materials and components for new packages. • Worked on cross-functional team charged with developing and recommending solutions to packaging problems or needs. Show less Experienced in extrusion technology, polymer processing, and material testing. Collaborated with polymer scientists on extrusion coating product development for food, beverage, and security packaging applications. • Completed Green Belt Six Sigma training.• Applied DMAIC methodology in developing and validating glue dot testing for Coca-Cola FridgeMaster.• Designed and executed trial to determine the cause of relative crease strength value of aseptic boards after extrusion lamination process.• Performed product testing to qualify new formulation of NatraLock® (security packaging) and TruServ® Compostable Cup for commercialization. Show less

  • Senior R&D Scientist

    Mar 2021 - Feb 2023

  • R&D Scientist

    May 2020 - Mar 2021

  • Associate R&D Scientist

    Jul 2017 - May 2020

  • Lead Researcher

    Jul 2015 - Jul 2017
• 

  Greenblue org

  Feb 2023 - now

  Senior project manager