Associate Product Insights Manager
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.Â
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
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.
Supporting Food Processing & Principles of Sensory Evaluation courses by grading, leading lab activities, mentoring undergraduate students.
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
Developed capability for methodology toolkit alongside sensory department; acted as sensory support for seven product lines utilizing sensory, economic, and marketing methodologies.
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.
