Jake Collins

Experience

• 

  Scheidt Research Group

  Sept 2014 - Mar 2017

  Undergraduate Researcher

  • Produced varying molecular weight side chains for addition to chrolactomycin-inspired small molecules• Synthesized starting materials to support the research of ferrocene-based n-heterocyclic carbene catalysts• Completed all reaction steps to create a ferrocene-based copper catalyst • Researched and evaluated alternative reaction pathways seeking higher product yields• Analyzed products using LCMS, NMR, and GC/MS

• 

  Archer Daniels Midland Company

  Jun 2015 - Sept 2015

  Research Summer Help - Analytics

  • Analyzed production samples using HPLC with RID• Assayed various wastewater samples using ICP-OES• Prepared quality control and calibration standards for HPLC, ICP, and GC/MS

• 

  Northwestern University

  Sept 2015 - Jun 2017

  Gateway Science Workshop (GSW) Mentor - Organic Chemistry

  • Facilitated weekly group tutoring sessions• Took part in weekly mentor meetings to prepare for workshops• Supported program administration by managing attendance records

• 

  Archer Daniels Midland Company

  Jun 2016 - Sept 2016

  Research Summer Help - Analytics

  • Examined production samples using HPLC with RID and ELSD• Analyzed various samples using LC/MS• Performed acid digestions on fiber samples for sugar analysis• Hydrolyzed various samples to determine amino acid content• Determined dextrose equivalents (DE) by titration

• 

  ADM

  Jun 2017 - now

  • Developed and oversaw the implementation of new xylanase and cellulase assays for animal feed applications• Carried out protein, cellulase, and xylanase assays on a variety of whole broth and purified enzyme samples• Assisted in the downstream processing of gellan gum fermentation broth and performed experiments with various filtration apparatus to improve the final characteristics and purity of the end product• Performed gel strength and viscosity testing on gellan gum process samples• Ran experiments to determine the optimal processing time and method for dry and liquid spirulina samples• Characterized spirulina samples by colorimetry and UV/vis to determine final phycocyanin content therein• Processed wet milled corn samples to isolate the various components for analysis and developed experimental sequences to optimize the starch yield from wet milled corn of various types• Evaluated the effects of different processing plant conditions on the final starch and gluten yields from wet milled corn • Created emergency density curves in response to plant-side processing problems Show less

  • Research Chemist - Process Chemisty

    Jan 2019 - now

  • Research Scientist - Process Development (Contractor)

    Nov 2017 - Jan 2019

  • Research Summer Help - Yeast and Renewables

    Jun 2017 - Nov 2017