Amy Meran
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Research Scientist & Technical Project Manager with expertise in beverage formulation and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to enhance product quality and optimize R&D operations, driving innovation and efficiency.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal Research Scientist, Project Manager
PepsiCo
Plano, TX
2025 - Current
- Conducted experiments to develop new beverage formulations, enhancing flavor profiles and consumer appeal.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot formulation challenges, ensuring product quality and consistency.
- Engaged in continuous learning about industry trends and advancements, contributing fresh ideas to research projects.
- Coordinated project timelines to ensure timely delivery of technical solutions.
- Conducted experiments to validate product concepts and improve existing formulations.
- Managed project timelines, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and deadlines.
- Implemented process improvements to optimize efficiency in R&D operations.
- Supported training initiatives for team members on new technologies and methodologies.
- Reviewed staff competencies to build employee skill sets based upon future technical requirements.
- Senior formulator for confectionary, RTM, RTE, protein beverages & finished goods, sweetener blend expert
Senior Scientist
PepsiCo
Valhalla, NY
2022 - 2025
- Achieved successful sensory evaluation protocols and laboratory compliance, enhancing food safety and quality control measures.
- Enhanced collaboration with manufacturing teams to implement effective safety protocols and risk management strategies.
- Supported preparations for 3rd party audits and health department inspections, ensuring compliance standards were met.
- Facilitated training programs for laboratory contractors on food safety procedures, allergen management, hazard storage, and sanitation standards, improving overall compliance.
- Completed specialized emulsions training for beverage formulations, gaining expertise in formulation techniques and stability optimization for protein-based beverages.
- Presented innovative beverage concepts to business stakeholders, engaging high-end customers such as Walmart, Target, 7-Eleven, and Kroger.
- Streamlined FDA labeling and allergen management processes, improving efficiency and compliance. Drove product development projects for the Gatorade brand, overseeing the journey from concept to commercialization with cross-functional teams.
- Executed plant trials that supported successful scale-up and commercialization efforts while maintaining formulation integrity.
- Conducted rigorous financial tracking and budget management for multiple projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Performed comprehensive analytical testing and data interpretation to support product development, stability studies, and quality control initiatives.
Application Specialist
Intarome Fragrance
Norwood, NJ
2018 - 2022
- Oversaw quality control processes to guarantee adherence to industry standards including FDA, IFRA, and ISO.
- Managed oversight of regulatory documentation to uphold adherence to international fragrance and flavor safety standards.
- Facilitated joint efforts between R&D and marketing to create cutting-edge flavors and fragrances tailored for multiple uses.
- Streamlined production processes and optimized formulations to drive operational efficiency.
Quality Assurance Analyst Intern
Chocolate Covered Company
Totowa, NJ
2017 - 2020
- Developed and implemented strict protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain safety standards.
- Performed comprehensive assessments of contaminants, moisture levels, fat content, and shelf-life stability to ensure product quality.
- Analyzed chocolate products, focusing on taste, texture, aroma, and consistency to uphold quality benchmarks.
- Supervised the compilation and analysis of quality check reports and compliance audits to uphold operational integrity.
Education
Master of Science - Food Science
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05-2022
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ12-2020
Skills
- R&D Formulator
- Microsoft Office
- Formulation & Development software
- Collaborative Research
- Specification Writing
- Cross-functional Teamwork
Certification
- ServSafe
- Art of The Drink in Beverages, issued by PepsiCo, April 2024, ID#1483279
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Principal Research Scientist, Project Manager
PepsiCo
2025 - Current
Senior Scientist
PepsiCo
2022 - 2025
Application Specialist
Intarome Fragrance
2018 - 2022
Quality Assurance Analyst Intern
Chocolate Covered Company
2017 - 2020
Master of Science - Food Science
Montclair State University
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
Montclair State University