Elsa Mulisa
Skokie,IL
Summary
Food Science and Technology professional with a Master’s degree and over four years of experience in quality assurance, laboratory analysis, and scientific education, complemented by academic research experience in food product formulation and development. Skilled in laboratory testing, experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Experienced in food extract preparation, nutritional analysis, technical documentation, and GMP compliance. Strong analytical problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills, with a focus on supporting product innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Specialist II
Georgia Nut Company
CHICAGO
12.2024 - Current
- Ensured compliance with GMP, allergen, sanitation, and food safety requirements in food manufacturing.
- Managed product hold investigations and documentation, ensuring traceability and compliance with product specifications.
- Conducted environmental monitoring and supported validation activities for product development processes.
- Performed internal audits and facilitated CAPA implementation through cross-functional collaboration to enhance quality assurance processes.
- Maintained audit-ready documentation and regulatory compliance records, providing critical support for product labeling reviews.
Quality Control and Assurance Lead
Amdehun General Trading (Soap and Detergent Factory)
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Supervised QC of raw materials, in-process, and finished products in compliance with GMP, quality standards, and product specifications.
- Coordinated internal and customer audits and ensured compliance with quality documentation and communication protocols.
- Trained employees on SOPs, hygiene practices, and food safety procedures to ensure adherence to quality requirements.
Food Science Laboratory Analyst
Gent University
08.2022 - 09.2022
- Conducted microbial and chemical analyses (TPC, microorganism identification, phenolics, protein) to ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices and enhance nutritional analysis.
- Prepared food extracts using optimized methods to facilitate bench testing and accelerate product development.
- Operated and maintained laboratory equipment (autoclaves, centrifuges, freeze-dryers, spectrophotometers) for reliable testing in support of R&D projects.
Assistant Lecturer / Graduate Assistant in Food Science & Post-Harvest Technology
Mekelle University
09.2018 - 08.2020
- Delivered engaging lectures on grain processing, food waste management, environmental protection, and spices & herbs processing, enhancing student understanding of food technology concepts.
- Coordinated industry visits to food manufacturing companies, providing students with practical exposure to product development and commercialization processes.
- Collaborated in teaching food science courses while mentoring students in selecting research topics, conducting literature reviews, and executing R&D projects, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Education
Master of Science - Food Technology
KU Leuven
BELGIUM07-2022
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Post-Harvest Technology
Mekelle University
ETHIOPIA06-2018
Skills
- Quality Management & GMP Compliance
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- HACCP & Food Safety Systems
- Product Specifications & Quality Standards
- Root Cause Analysis & CAPA
- Statistical Analysis & Data Interpretation
- Risk Assessment & Problem-Solving
- Laboratory Testing & Analytical Techniques
- Experimental Data Collection & Reporting
- Design of Experiments (DOE)
- Product Formulation & Development
- Nutritional Analysis
- Technical Writing & Laboratory Documentation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Microsoft Office Suite
Certification
- HACCP AND PCQI , FSNQS LLC
- GMP, Alison Empower
- ISO 22000, Alison Empower
Timeline
Quality Assurance Specialist II
Georgia Nut Company
12.2024 - Current
Quality Control and Assurance Lead
Amdehun General Trading (Soap and Detergent Factory)
01.2023 - 12.2023
Food Science Laboratory Analyst
Gent University
08.2022 - 09.2022
Assistant Lecturer / Graduate Assistant in Food Science & Post-Harvest Technology
Mekelle University
09.2018 - 08.2020
Master of Science - Food Technology
KU Leuven
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Post-Harvest Technology
Mekelle University