ASHA O. AMOLLO
Parkville,MD
Summary
Hands-on QA and QC professional focused on analytical testing, environmental swabbing, sensory review, and instrument calibration. Contributes to plant quality by monitoring production, maintaining lab readiness, and training new employees while supporting documentation, audits, and corrective action follow-up.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Technician II
McCormick and Company
Hunt Valley, MD
08.2024 - 09.2026
- In Extracts, analyzed alcohol using a gas chromatograph, analyzed color using a spectrophotometer.
- Analyzed PH, moisture, NaCl, bulk index, weights, color in different spices and seasonings.
- Performed sensory analysis on finished and raw ingredients to assess quality and flavor profiles.
- Prepared dilutions, analyzed vanillin with an NIR machine, adjusted alcohol levels in vanilla extraction for optimal content, restocked laboratory inventory, and conducted sampling of finished and raw ingredients.
- Monitored production and manufacturing processes for various extracts and food colors, conducted data entry, and maintained laboratory cleanliness.
- Conducted environmental monitoring through swabbing and water analysis.
- Key Highlight: Facilitated orientation sessions to integrate new hires into the team.
Quality Assurance Specialist
Ingredion Inc.
Belcamp, MD
07.2022 - 08.2024
- Managed proficiency testing for analytical lab technicians, enhancing testing accuracy and compliance.
- Conducted analytical testing for the corporate compliance program for raw material and finished goods.
- Created and verified CoAs for global clients, ensuring accurate testing of various materials.
- Managed analytical testing equipment for our three plants in Belcamp, MD and Whitemarsh, MD facilities, including conducting calibration, maintenance and trouble shooting.
- Collaborated with R&D, corporate quality, and engineering to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
- Became a Subject Matter Expert on Food Defense and Food Safety Audits.
- Conducted Food safety Training and PRP training for our new recruits.
- Sourced and interviewed vendors and suppliers for raw ingredients and equipment calibration.
- Managed department documents on Teams and Intelex.
- Conducted interviews for new recruits to assess qualifications and fit for the team.
- Partnered with procurement to create purchase request, and vendor invoices.
- Key Highlight: Successfully managed equipment calibration, Vendor verification, and equipment maintenance
Quality Assurance Technician
McCormick and Company
Hunt Valley, MD
09.2020 - 07.2022
- Executed sensory analysis of finished and raw ingredients to assess quality and flavor profiles.
- Prepared dilutions, analyzed vanillin with an NIR machine, adjusted alcohol levels in vanilla extraction for optimal content, managed laboratory inventory, and performed sampling of finished and raw ingredients.
- In Extracts, analyzed alcohol using a gas chromatograph, analyzed color using a spectrophotometer.
- Analyzed PH, moisture, NaCl, bulk index, weights, color in different spices and seasonings.
- Performed data entry and monitored production processes of various extracts and food colors while ensuring laboratory cleanliness and compliance with quality standards.
- Conducted environmental monitoring through swabbing and water analysis.
- Identified and emphasized significant contributions.
Quality Assurance Technician
Diageo North America
Relay, MD
09.2019 - 09.2020
- Analyzed Alcohol,brix,SPGR, RDF, PG, Density using Anton Paar. Analyzed the concentrations of sorbic and benzoic acids in PAB using HPLC, concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in finished beer, haze andforced haze in beer, as well as propagation of yeast.
- Identified beer-spoiling microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, coliforms, yeast, and mold, ensuring product quality and safety.
- Analyzed pH, vicinal diketones, titratable acidity, international bitterness units, turbidity, and color in beer and PAB, supporting quality control efforts.
- Conducted water analysis, sensory analysis of finished alcoholic beverages and rum. Prepared different dilutions.
- Supervised packaging processes to verify correct coding and appropriate materials for all packaged products, while maintaining compliance with quality standards.
- Ordered and restocked laboratory inventory.
- Highlighted important achievements.
Quality Assurance Technician
McCormick and Company
Hunt Valley, MD
08.2016 - 09.2019
- In Extracts, analyzed alcohol using a gas chromatograph, analyzed color using a spectrophotometer, conducted sensory analysis of finished and raw ingredients.
- Prepared dilutions, analyzed vanillin using NIR machine, adjusted alcohol levels in vanilla extraction for optimal content, restocked inventory, sampled finished and raw ingredients, entered data while monitoring production, and ensured cleanliness in laboratory.
- Conducted environmental monitoring through swabbing and water analysis to maintain compliance with safety and quality regulations.
- Analyzed pH, moisture, NaCl, bulk index, weights, and color to ensure quality standards in spices and seasonings.
- Highlighted key achievements.
Quality Control Inspector
American Sugar Refining Inc. (Domino Sugar)
Baltimore, MD
12.2015 - 08.2016
- Analyzed moisture, pH, colors, granulation, weights, and brix in wet and crystallized sugar, and evaluated sucrose, ash, and colors in inverted sugars to ensure product quality and compliance with standards.
- Facilitated communication between quality control, shipping, and production departments, enhancing collaboration and ensuring timely delivery of quality sugar products.
- Inspected sugar products for quality compliance at American Sugar Refining Domino facilities.
- Sampled raw and finished sugar during refining and packaging operations.
- Checked product appearance, moisture, and foreign material against Domino specifications.
Quality Control Technician 1
McCormick and Company
Hunt Valley, MD
05.2014 - 2015
- In Extracts manufacturing, analyzed alcohol using a gas chromatograph, analyzed color using a spectrophotometer, conducted sensory analysis of finished and raw ingredients.
- Prepared dilutions and analyzed vanillin using NIR machine, adjusted alcohol levels in vanilla extraction to meet desired content, restocked laboratory inventory, conducted sampling and re-sampling of ingredients, and performed data entry while monitoring production and maintaining laboratory cleanliness.
- Analyzed PH, moisture, NaCl, bulk index, weights, color in different spices and seasonings.
- Conducted environmental monitoring through swabbing and water analysis to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Highlighted significant achievements in previous roles.
Quality Control Technician 1
ConAgra Foods Inc.
Cranbury, NJ
12.2012 - 04.2014
- Conducted allergen control, troubleshooting, and calibration of equipment; performed microbial counting and identified microorganisms including salmonella, listeria monocytogenes, e-coli, yeasts, and molds to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Reviewed production records to verify critical control points to ensure compliance with critical quality points.
- Collected, analyzed, and communicated results to stakeholders; performed in-line inspections and supported Q.C. management with project work and product rechecks, ensuring accuracy in label reconciliation.
- Performed raw material analysis, pest control monitoring, label reconciliation, plant quality audits, SOPs and sampling. Ensured laboratory cleanliness and assisted with media preparation.
- Utilized LIMS and USDA/FDA based audits to analyze samples, supported pilot plant production, investigated product quality non-conformance and equipment sanitation non-conformance and audited glass/brittle plastic.
- Analyzed salt, PH, water activity, moisture, flash point and density on various spices, seasonings, and different flavors.
- Analyzed Kosher-based foods
- Provided on-line operator guidance in GMPs and other food safety issues. Facilitated daily sanitation audits on production and warehouse and collaborated with production to develop continuous improvement of in-process sanitary conditions.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints to enhance satisfaction and maintain product quality.
- Highlighted key achievements during tenure
- Served as part of a committee that oversaw and audited the entire plant on various safety and chemical spill issues.
Flavor Print Laboratory Technician (Sensory Department)
McCormick and Company
Hunt Valley, MD
08.2012 - 09.2012
- Prepared food flavor extracts and components for tasting panelists, enhancing sensory evaluation accuracy.
- Utilized Compusense for data entry and analysis, supporting informed flavor development decisions.
- Recruited, observed and monitored panelists.
- Managed inventory by generating orders and tracking materials, ensuring availability of necessary resources.
- Performed Google search on descriptive, sensory and texture literature materials pertaining to different food flavors, and flavor components.
- Highlighted key achievements during presentations.
- Ensured laboratory cleanliness and orderliness.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food and Nutrition
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD05-2012
Diploma - Food Science and Technology
Kenya Polytechnic University College
Nairobi, Kenya11-2003
Skills
- Quality Control
- Food Safety Compliance
- Quality management systems
- Raw Material Analysis
- Laboratory testing
- Gas chromatography
- Sensory analysis
- Environmental monitoring
- In-Line Inspections
- Process Improvement
- Testing procedures
- Testing protocols
- Inspection reports
- Defect tracking
- Root-cause analysis
- Quality assurance requirements
- Non-compliance assessments
- Policy & Regulations Compliance
- GMP inspection
- Calibration
- Equipment calibration
- Equipment inspection
- Technical troubleshooting
- Samples comparison
- Data Management
- Data analysis
- Documentation expertise
- Trend tracking
- Correction action planning
- Sampling
- Manufacturing Operations Problem Resolution
- Production line observation
- Inventory Control
- Shipment inspection
- Auditing
- Process quality review
- Software testing
- Organizational Leadership
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Problem solving
- Safety Compliance
- Quality compliance
- CoA documentation
- Lab equipment maintenance
- Test planning
- Documentation expertise
- Environmental monitoring
- Calibration
- Production line observation
- Process quality review
- Materials analysis
Personal Information
- Title: QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST
- Nationality: US Citizen
Certification
Student member, American Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 2009-2012, Student Member, American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AAND), 2009-2012
FOOD AND NUTRITION FIELD EXPERIENCE
- John Hopkins Hospital Department of Nutrition, Position Held(Volunteer), Baltimore, MD, 2011-12-11, 2011-12-31, Assisted in preparing therapeutic diets for different patients with crohn's disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, renal and cancer. Aided in generating daily inventory, sanitation activities in the kitchen, menu writings and data entry., Key Highlight: Contributed to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Timeline
Quality Assurance Technician II
McCormick and Company
08.2024 - 09.2026
Quality Assurance Specialist
Ingredion Inc.
07.2022 - 08.2024
Quality Assurance Technician
McCormick and Company
09.2020 - 07.2022
Quality Assurance Technician
Diageo North America
09.2019 - 09.2020
Quality Assurance Technician
McCormick and Company
08.2016 - 09.2019
Quality Control Inspector
American Sugar Refining Inc. (Domino Sugar)
12.2015 - 08.2016
Quality Control Technician 1
McCormick and Company
05.2014 - 2015
Quality Control Technician 1
ConAgra Foods Inc.
12.2012 - 04.2014
Flavor Print Laboratory Technician (Sensory Department)
McCormick and Company
08.2012 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Science - Food and Nutrition
Morgan State University
Diploma - Food Science and Technology
Kenya Polytechnic University College