Michael M. Blumenthal, Ph.D.

Experience

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  T. J. Lipton, Inc.

  Oct 1962 - Sept 1964

  Research and Development Technician

  Worked in laboratory and pilot plant to isolate and produce extruded protein fiber from soy, sesame, cottonseed, navy bean, pinto bean, and sunflower seeds. Built a humidity chamber around a tensile tester to evaluate the strength (texture) of the extruded and treated fiber tows. Applied continuous electrophoresis and circular paper chromatography to isolate an aromatic lipid fraction from a commercial protein hydrolysate. These projects were used in the development of dehydrated soups.Bench project to utilize petroleum fractions to grow algae as a protein source. Another project was to work on the texture of ice cream blends.I was fortunate to receive in-depth training in rheological measurement technologies and the corresponding mathematical analysis, that further fueled my interest in physical and biophysical chemistry. Show less

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  DCA Food Industries, Inc. (First Tour)

  Sept 1964 - Aug 1965

  Research and Development Chemist

  Worked first as a QC chemist at headquarters laboratory serving multiple project clients. Developed a new method for the separation and chromatographic analysis of food hydrocolloids (gums) from cake mixes, ice cream, and baked goods.Had the opportunity to perform hands-on deep frying of donuts (cake and yeast-raised) under both laboratory and pilot situations as part of different projects. I found the organic and physical chemistry of the dough formulations and frying oils to be extremely interesting! The engineering mathematics and graphic analysis of scale-up led me to deepen my interest in process measurement and control... eventually to computerization of processes. Show less

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  AARLAB, Inc.

  Jan 1967 - Jan 1973

  Co-Owner

  Analytical and Product Development laboratory formed with three other principals while I was in graduate school. Successful projects in color and flavor chemistry, and continuing analytical stream of samples from industry. I left the group to concentrate on my Ph.D. research.

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  Best Foods (Division of Corn Products

  Apr 1974 - Dec 1975

  Group Leader - Fats and Oils R&D

  Project Manager for development of new oils, design semi-continuous micro-pilot plant for oil refining, establish new sensory methods for oils, develop rapid analytical methods using spectrophotometry that could predict commercial production quality of initially damaged oils, and refinery-level problem solving.

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  DCA Food Industries, Inc. (Second Tour)

  May 1976 - Dec 1979

  Engineering Projects Manager

  Directed the development of a high-temperature steam, continuous process, to replace pre-frying as a unit operation in the manufacture of fabricated frozen foods. This included all aspects of the project (matrix management); writing the technical business plan, budget, schedule, staffing, vendor selection, inventory management; process/product development, regulatory clearances, field installation, participation in marketing, and project closure. Responsible for patent specification writing and filings with patent attorneys. led project management system re-development according to engineering principles. Developed Lab Quality Assurance systems. Wrote patent infringement prosecution documents. Liaison to universities and professional societies on behalf of the corporation. Served on Project Selection and Review committee. Designed and programmed a computer simulation of a new process (1978); introduced response surface methodology for data reduction and process development (1979). Show less

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  Libra Laboratories and Libra Technical Center, LLC

  Jan 1980 - now

  Founder, Program Director, Forensic Specialist

  Contract / Consulting Analytical Laboratory also able to analyze, develop, and produce (kilogram and larger amounts) of GMP chemicals and products for clients from the pharmaceutical, food, personal care, flavor and fragrance, color and texture, packaging, and specialty chemical fields.Laboratory testing and manufacturing consulting services are available for microbiology, chemistry, materials science, sensory, and process technology projects, including samples of above materials. Expert Witness. Industrial Forensics, and Litigation Support Services for Patent and other Intellectual Property matters. Show less

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  Rutgers Univ. Food Science Dept.

  Jan 2013 - now

  Advisor - Graduate Program

  Appointed to Graduate Program staff to help candidates achieve goals. Developing content for a Food Industry Investigation and Forensics course. Compiling prior analytical and research studies in Deep Frying Science and Technology for publication and teaching product and process development.Since graduating from this program I have frequently taught classes, short courses, and a graduate special topics course on "moving from scientist to manager". Independently, I designed and taught short courses and industrial courses for client companies including those that required live broadcasting to multiple international (and intercontinental) sites in real time for interactivity and Q&A sessions. Show less