SPDS ERP CVs - DEC 2017

Graduate Research Assistant

August 2011 - June 2016

Iowa State University (GPA: 3.7/4) Major Professor: Wendy S. White, Ph.D. −

Thesis project: “Evaluating the Bioefficacy of the Beta-Carotene in Biofortified Sorghum Using a Gerbil Model” (collaboration with DuPont Pioneer). This project is funded by Howard G. Buffet Foundation and a part of the Africa Biofortified Sorghum Initiative, an international collaborative program to improve the health of millions of people who rely on sorghum as their dietary staple. − Screened more than 100 varieties of transgenic and conventional biofortified crops (sorghum, maize, banana) for their complete carotenoid profiles, using HPLC-PDA, HPLC-ECD, and LC-MS/MS; developed and validated extraction protocols and HPLC-PDA-MS/MS methods which allow the simultaneous separation, identification, and quantification of more than 15 analytes (retinol, retinyl esters, colored and colorless carotenoids); evaluated extraction protocols for quantifying hepatic vitamin A stores in animal models; prepared SOP documents for analytical methods. − Participated in human clinical trials to test the provitamin A value of biofortified banana for HarvestPlus and Gates Foundation (Super Banana); assisted with experimental design, human subject interview, and sample analysis. − Studied the molecular regulation of the beta-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) enzyme. Graduate Research Assistant September 2008 - June 2011 China Agricultural University Major Professor: Yun Bo Luo, Ph.D., Fellow of the Academy of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST). − Thesis project: Intervention Effects and Mechanisms of White Radish Extract in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. − Designed and prepared a white radish extract-mixed high-fat liquid diet for rats, based on AIN-93G; developed an industrial-scale extraction process for extracting isothiocyanates from white radishes in a pilot plant; identified and quantified isothiocyanates in 8 species of radishes using a novel GC-MS method. − Evaluated the functions and the bioavailability of white radish sourced 4-methylthiobutyl isothiocyanate using a rat model (findings were reported by Beijing Television). − Evaluated the anti-oxidant activity (using FRAP and DPPH assays) of 3 species of plums. Research & Development Intern/Technical Project Leader March 2009 - September 2009 Mars Foods (China) Co., Ltd. − Technical project leader for 3 Skittles® packaging innovation projects: − Developed transport units for bulk Skittles®. − Modified packaging graphics for Skittles®’ stock keeping units (SKUs) to adapt to a new labeling requirement. − Developed a case unit for 100 triangle pouches each containing 5 g Skittles®. − Participated in the system merging of Mars Food China and Wrigley China by working closely with more than 20 senior staff members from both companies. − Compiled and modified product specifications (SPECs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

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