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J'Nai Kessinger

Associate Product Insights Manager

About me

A recent graduate of Virginia Tech's Food Science and Technology Master's program who is excited to begin a fast-paced career in the food industry. My M.S. thesis explored the application of rapid sensory methods in profiling the attributes of Virginia hard ciders.

My industry internships, teaching assistantships, and academic research have allowed me to experience: Cross-functional teamwork, mentorship, project management, qualitative and quantitative sensory research methods, product development, food processing and chemistry principles, and statistical analysis in JMP, Minitab, and R.
 

Skills and tools

Education/Research
Food & Beverages
Baking
Dairy

Education

August 2018 -December 2019
Master of Science
Virginia Tech

Bachelor of Science
Virginia Tech

Work Experience

January 2020 -Currently working
Associate Product Insights Manager
Nestle

Act as a connection and integration between research partners and consumer insights to prioritize and maintain quality product testing practices. Partner with brand management and R&D to develop product understanding, external vendor management, and product management

August 2018 -December 2019
Graduate Research Assistant
Virginia Tech

Project: Exploring perceptions of packaging, aroma, and flavor of Virginia hard cider using qualitative and quantitative sensory  analysis. Manuscript in progress.Responsibilities: Supporting sensory research projects; maintaining sensory lab; utilizing Compusense and statistical software (JMP, R); mentoring undergraduate students in professional development.

August 2018 -May 2019
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Virginia Tech

Supporting Food Processing & Principles of Sensory Evaluation courses by grading, leading lab activities, mentoring undergraduate students.

September 2017 -August 2018
Undergraduate Researcher
Virginia Tech

Supervised by Dr. Aili Wang: Assessed the effects of color temperature of LED lighting on milk quality (freshness).Manuscript published.Supervised by Dr. Jacob Lahne: Performed literature review to identify lexicons of descriptive language used to discuss alcoholic ciders

May 2017 -August 2017
R&D Intern, Sensory & Consumer Insights
The Hershey Company

Developed capability for methodology toolkit alongside sensory department; acted as sensory support for seven product lines utilizing sensory, economic, and marketing methodologies.

December 2016 -June 2017
STEC-STEP Intern
Virginia Tech

Assisted with creation of focus group methods to assess consumer knowledge and behavior related to handling of mechanically tenderized and enhanced beef products. Funded by the USDA. Manuscript published.

Awards and Certificates :

May 2016
HACCP

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