SuriyaPrakaash LakshmiBalasubramaniam

Experience

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  Bannari Amman Institute of Technology

  Jan 2015 - Apr 2015

  Undergraduate thesis Project

  • Led team to develop new environmentally sustainable solutions to remove textile pollutants from fresh water bodies• Successfully isolated textile dye degrading bacteria from soil • Optimized textile dye adsorption using saw dust from an invasive tree species • Removed up to 98% dye by combining saw adsorption and degradative capabilities of bacteria

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  Illinois Institute of Technology

  Nov 2015 - Aug 2017

  Graduate Research Assistant

  • Collaborated with FDA and manufactured plastic-clay composite packaging films • Developed new method to determine and validate additives in composite packaging films • Assessed regulatory compliance, by quantifying migration of additives into food simulants

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  University of Maine

  Aug 2020 - Dec 2020

  NSF Innovation Corps

  • Performed consumer interviews and survey to determine current requirements and trends • Developed pathway to commercialize research

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  University of Maine

  Jun 2021 - Feb 2022

  • Managed project and led development towards an innovative plant protein (Corn Zein) and Whey protein-based Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) fat replacer and emulsifier for food applications • Oversaw the development of novel antioxidant and antimicrobial Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) and phenolic acid-based food additive capable of encapsulating bio actives and modifying food rheology • Successfully developed model food prototypes using modified CNF, measured attributes, performed encapsulation studies and performed accelerated shelf-life studies to validate commercial applicability • Worked with cross-functional teams and developed seaweed bio-active protein based nutrient supplements and inspected its stability in human gastrointestinal tract and food processing conditions• Prepared high shelf-life salmon meat patties containing novel protein peptides from an invasive green crab and developed experimental methods to determine sensory properties• Led and managed multiple projects to develop antioxidant, antibiofilm, renewable and biodegradable packaging films using Cellulose Nanofibers (CNF), phenolic acids and corn proteins• Successfully, designed, created prototypes, and performed accelerated food shelf-life studies using walnut paste and canola oil to validate the shelf life enhancing effect of developed packaging films• Validated advantage of novel packaging material by measuring and analyzing attributes such as mechanical, barrier and thermal properties according to international packaging standards• Documented data and performed data and statistical analysis to interpret results • Managed supplies procurement and maintained equipment and records for food process engineering lab Show less • Administered research project to develop unique modified CNF-Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA) coating for paper-based packaging and modified CNF based food additive • Developed low fat mayonnaise using modified CNF as an emulsion stabilizer • Analyzed market to identify market size, customer segments, competitors, and potential barriers to entry• Performed voice of the customer research to determine needs and wants of customers • Determined commercialization routes and developed business canvas and sales pitch • Collaborated with customers and iterated packaging to fit their needs Show less

  • Graduate Research Assistant

    Aug 2017 - Feb 2022

  • Research Lead-Maine Innovation Research and Technology Accelerator Program

    Jan 2021 - Dec 2021

  • Pilot Plant- Graduate Assistant (New food product development)

    Jun 2021 - Nov 2021
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  ProCaps Laboratories

  Feb 2022 - Oct 2022

  Food Technologist

  • Formulated and developed several clean and natural functional food and supplement productsutilizing feedback from stakeholders• Established and successfully conducted in-house sensory testing for foods and beverages• Collaborated with the Quality Control department to develop food product testing procedures forregulatory compliance and quality control• Identified potential suppliers and assessed ingredients for cost, lead times, functionality,quality, and safety• Utilized new market trends and ingredient discoveries to brainstorm and develop new productideas• Cooperated with co-manufacturers and flavor houses to optimize formulations for massproduction Show less