Chris (Yan) Wu, Ph.D.

Experience

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  FDA

  Feb 2013 - Aug 2015

  Graduate Research Assistant

  • Assessed the thermal stability of proteins as a parameter to predict allergenic potential of novel proteins• Investigated the impact of high-pressure processing on the allergenic potential of different milk allergens • Compared the performance of a PCR-based test kit, two ELISA test kits and the BCA total protein assay for quantitation of almond allergens in thermally treated almond flours • Analyzed the efficacy of different test methods for quantitation of peanut allergens in cereal bar and muffin samples collected at various stages of production Show less

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  Sensient Technologies Corporation

  Sept 2015 - Jan 2016

  Associate R&D Scientist

  • Engaged in product development on yeast extracts, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins and animal nutrition products• Managed and conducted routine sample analysis, including various spectrophotometric quantificationtechniques, microbial screening techniques, fermentation at lab scales and HPLC• Collaborated on product research in lab development all the way to production at a manufacturing level

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  University of Minnesota

  Jan 2016 - Dec 2019

  Graduate Research Assistant

  • Developed a rapid and economical method for simultaneous detection of Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella in irrigation water and optimized the method for environmental sampling• Comparatively analyzed global food safety governance frameworks and the effectiveness of food safety regulations• Developed a new method to modify stainless steel surface using nanotechnologies to inhibit the formation of biofilms on stainless steel surface and examined the effect of oscillating magnetic field on the removal of biofilms• Investigated the effectiveness of encapsulations of essential oils to extend shelf life of fresh fruits and to inhibit growth of foodborne pathogens • Explored new methods to detect spoilage fungus in yogurt using DNA aptamer and Au nanoparticle probes Show less

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  Pharmavite

  Jun 2019 - Aug 2019

  Product Research Intern

  • Reviewed literature and patents on relevant technologies of starchless gummy production• Investigated impact of the key ingredients of pectin-based gummy on the setting time and physical properties of the product through design of experiments (DOE)• Explored improvements and optimizations of the texture profile of pectin-based gummy to fit into broader applications and meet consumer’s need

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  Pharmavite

  Dec 2019 - Jul 2021

  Associate Scientist, Product Research

  • Manages, design and conducts experiments to explore research in relevant technologies for innovations of dietary supplements, including new delivery formats, manufacturing process and improved functions• Develops prototypes to demonstrate application of new technologies and develops related intellectual properties including patents and journal publications• Manages and collaborates with external research institutes on fundamental studies relevant to dietary supplement products and present discoveries internally to the leadership team and externally at scientific conferences• Interfaces with other operating units including analytical service, quality control, production and marketing to ensure efficacy of the innovation-commercialization pipeline• As trained DA panelist, participates in descriptive sensory analysis to evaluate applicable dietary supplement products of different formats including gummy, powder, and liquid. Show less

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  Versuni

  Aug 2021 - Jul 2023

  Senior Scientist, Kitchen Appliances Research

  • Lead and execute research project(s) per strategic plans & requirements, and translate research outcome into business opportunities• Steer KA product management strategy from food science perspective and drive positive business impact • Create and manage meaningful research outcome in forms of IP, internal technical report, and peer-reviewed publications• Carry out scientific research on the principles and mechanisms and develop complete solutions from principle selection to experimental verification • Develop science-based on-pack and off-pack communication and messages for product claiming strategy/roadmap • Responsible for lab management including managing cross-team lab activities, instrument maintenance &verification, and documentation to ensure EHS compliance Show less

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  Diageo

  Aug 2023 - now

  Senior Liquid Scientist, Innovation R&D