Daniel M. Braaten
Grand Rapids
Summary
Personable and results-driven professional with strong aptitude for strategic planning and organizational management. Knowledge of process optimization and resource allocation, coupled with proficiency in project management and team leadership. Committed to driving operational efficiency and fostering culture of continuous improvement.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
University of Minnesota, NCROC
03.2022 - 02.2025
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term goals and objectives.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Established strong partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and key stakeholders to improve collaboration and ensure alignment with business requirements.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement, implementing changes that resulted in significant savings.
Director of Operations
University of Minnesota, NCROC
03.2022 - 02.2025
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term goals and objectives.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Established strong partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and key stakeholders to improve collaboration and ensure alignment with business requirements.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement, implementing changes that resulted in significant savings.
Research Agronomist and Operations Manager
University of Minnesota, NCROC
01.2017 - 03.2022
- Plan and conduct research experiments in an effort to determine best agronomic best management practices for corn, soybean, alfalfa/grass forage production, wild rice and other cropping systems that maximize the effectiveness of rotational grazing in beef cattle production
- Secured grant funding to carry out research, including MN Dept of Agriculture funding and agricultural commodity group competitive grants
- This includes significant aptitude of statistical programs such as JMP and SAS
- Data analysis is used for writing professional reports and/or publications
- Implemented pest and weed control measures.
- Developed customized nutrient management plans to optimize plant health and yield potential.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop sustainable farming practices for long-term agricultural success.
- Proficient in planting and harvesting research plots with various research plot equipment such as plot planters and plot combines
- This includes understanding various technical/ mechanical workings to modify and adapt equipment to ensure success for carrying out plot research
- Successfully supervise scientific personnel (Researcher 2, Researcher 3, Research Manager), student interns, temporary employees, and work study students, with the authority to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, discharge, assign work, reward, discipline, and direct their work
Researcher 5
University of Minnesota, NCROC
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive studies and generate valuable insights.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
- Synthesized large volumes of information, identifying key trends and patterns relevant to research objectives.
- Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Designed experiments with rigorous controls to maximize validity of findings.
- Maintained detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results for accurate reporting and replication purposes.
- Utilized statistical packages to analyze data and create visualizations.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, raising the profile of the institution.
- Conducted fieldwork in diverse environments, adapting methodologies to unique challenges encountered.
Assistant Scientist
University of Minnesota, NCROC
01.2004 - 01.2013
- Utilized advanced statistical methods for robust data analysis and interpretation, informing future research directions.
- Troubleshot complex issues encountered during experimentation, developing innovative solutions to overcome obstacles.
- Provided technical expertise and guidance for fellow researchers encountering challenges during their investigations.
- Designed experiments to answer specific hypotheses, advancing overall project goals.
- Actively participated in team meetings, providing insights based on analyses conducted from previous experiments.
- Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
Junior Scientist
University of Minnesota, NCROC
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Maintained accurate records of all experiments, facilitating efficient communication among team members about project progress.
- Utilized cutting-edge technology for data collection and analysis, enhancing overall capabilities of the research environment.
- Developed expertise in various analytical methods, increasing accuracy and precision of experimental results.
- Established strong relationships with industry partners by participating in collaborative projects that aligned with mutual objectives effectively.
Education
Master of Science - Agronomy And Crop Science
Iowa State University
Ames, IA06-2014
Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences
University of Minnesota Morris
Morris, MN05-2000
High School Diploma -
Greenway High School
Coleraine, MN06-1996
Skills
- Advanced Microsoft Office Skills
- Operational Management
- Strong work ethic
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Strategic planning
- Data collection and organization
- Leadership Development
- Statistical computing methods
- Safety program development
- Safety training development
- Construction site management
- Emergency response planning
Awards
2019 Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council Outstanding Service Award
2018 University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)-Outstanding Professional and Administrative Staff Award.
2010 University of Minnesota Innovations Award, Wild rice Plant Variety, Dawn SR
Timeline
Director of Operations
University of Minnesota, NCROC
03.2022 - 02.2025
Director of Operations
University of Minnesota, NCROC
03.2022 - 02.2025
Research Agronomist and Operations Manager
University of Minnesota, NCROC
01.2017 - 03.2022
Researcher 5
University of Minnesota, NCROC
01.2013 - 01.2017
Assistant Scientist
University of Minnesota, NCROC
01.2004 - 01.2013
Junior Scientist
University of Minnesota, NCROC
01.2001 - 01.2004
Master of Science - Agronomy And Crop Science
Iowa State University
Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences
University of Minnesota Morris
High School Diploma -
Greenway High School
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