EDUCATION PhD, Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University (2009) Dissertation: “Carotenogenesis of Orange Color in Capsicum annuum” MS, Biology, Texas Woman’s University (2005) Thesis: “Isolation and Characterization of Mulberry Phytoestrogens” BS, Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio (2001)  Quality Control Manager, Vitality Works, Albuquerque, NM July – Dec. 2014 Vitality Works is an herbal, nutraceutical, natural product, and dietary supplement private label and contract manufacturer. My responsibilities included all QC functions within the company, management of QC scientific team, testing, and product quality. • Designed and developed in house analytical lab (HPTLC and UV-Vis testing methods) • Determined, established and enforced, through all operational departments, quality and safety requirements in accordance with company needs, based on current regulatory guidelines. • Assured that NSF Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Kosher and FDA compliances are maintained throughout the company. • Assured all components and raw materials met specifications for use in processing of intermediate and final product by documented methods of sampling, testing, formulation, labeling, storage, distribution, and approvals. • Assured that all process errors, product failures and any process deviations were investigated and that any corrective actions and/or preventive actions were carried out.

Vegetable physiology and biochemistry Vegetable health bioactivity  Organic agriculture