Fatemeh Tohidi
Central,SC
Summary
Experienced chemistry instructor with a proven track record in method development and validation. Committed to fostering student engagement and promoting safety compliance in laboratory settings.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Chemistry Instructor
Virginia Tech University
Blacksburg, VA
06.2023 - 01.2026
- Direct General Chemistry Labs.
- Developed, optimized, and validated new analytical experiments for implementation by over 2200 students.
- Oversaw the operation of 6 laboratories with over 100 lab users per day.
- Developed and implemented engaging chemistry curriculum for undergraduate courses.
- Mentored and supervised stockroom stuff
- Ensured safety protocols are well adhered to by students and staff.
- Coordinated budget proposal
- Performed calibration and minor maintenance of the lab equipment.
- Provided mentorship to students, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in chemistry.
- Promoted critical thinking skills by challenging students to apply chemistry concepts to real-world situations during class discussions and projects.
- Designed and implemented course curriculum that reflected relevance of chemistry to everyday world.
Senior Technical Officer
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hong Kong
01.2016 - 03.2022
- Manage Energy Lab including 7 research labs.
- Teach instrument fundamentals and practical application and software and instrument operation.
- Develop, validate and implement analytical methods for sample analysis, perform quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) and preparing the scientific report.
- Mentor students in experimental setup in instrumental analysis
- Operate and maintain advanced instruments such as ICPMS, confocal microscope, AFM, microRaman, TERS, FTIR, ultrasonic spray coating, GCMS, LCMS, spectrophotometer and perform simple troubleshooting.
- Support proper performance of laboratory instrumentation and equipment and proper setup to documented laboratory methods.
- Oversee and support safe operation of the labs as “Departmental Safety Officer”.
- Review and draft safety protocols and emergency response plans, liaise with the Head of Department, Principle Investigators, and HSEO for best implementation and sustaining a safe environment. During this time, I developed and streamlined several safety protocols to enhance departmental safety policies.
- Investigate incidents and root cause analysis, prepare incident reports for relevant authorities, while collaborating with PI, HSEO and other stakeholders to ensure continuous safety improvement
Senior Analytical Chemist
Department of Environmental Protection
Iran
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for trace-level detection of environmental contaminants following standard protocols and internal validation procedures (linearity, precision, accuracy, LOD/LOQ).
- Design and execute sample preparation workflows including digestion, extraction, filtration, and concentration techniques to improve detection sensitivity and reproducibility.
- Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis using GC-MS, ICP-MS, GC-FID, TOC analyzer, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), BOD/COD analyzers , and other wet chemistry techniques.
- Conduct instrument calibration, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and performance verification to ensure reliable operation and minimal downtime.
- Analyze complex datasets, perform statistical evaluation of results, and prepared technical reports and documentation for regulatory and internal stakeholders.
- Maintain lab data integrity through database management, documentation control, and QA/QC procedures .
- Train and supervise junior chemists and technicians in analytical techniques, instrument operation, laboratory safety, and method development strategies .
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve analytical problems, improve workflows, and increase laboratory efficiency .
- Ensure compliance with lab safety regulations, quality systems, and environmental standards .
- Support regulatory reporting by generating validated, defensible analytical data for environmental monitoring programs.
Technical Lead, R&D
Pesticide Manufacturing Company
Iran
04.2002 - 12.2003
- Lead formulation development of pesticide products at bench scale including emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, and suspension concentrates. Formulated and scaled up over 20 pesticides, ensuring quality and performance met regulatory standards.
- Design and execute experiments to evaluate product stability, efficacy, and formulation performance.
- Support scale-up activities from lab to pilot production, identifying process risks and optimization opportunities.
- Perform routine QC testing of production batches using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques including GC-MS and FTIR.
- Develop and improve analytical test methods for active ingredient identification and impurity profiling.
- Investigate new product opportunities through formulation screening and analytical characterization.
- Coordinate with production teams to resolve quality deviations and process inconsistencies.
- Ensure compliance with FAO/WHO pesticide quality guidelines and internal specifications.
- Document R&D findings in technical reports to support product registration and manufacturing decisions.
Education
Ph.D. - Analytical Chemsitry
The Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong 08.2015
Master of Science - Analytical Chemsitry
Shiraz University
Iran08.2002
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Shiraz University
Iran08.1999
Skills
Core Technical Skills
- Method Development & Validation: Analytical method development, method optimization, validation (LOD/LOQ, precision, accuracy), method troubleshooting, reproducibility improvement
- Analytical Instrumentation: GC- ICPMS, confocal microscope, AFM, microRaman, TERS, FTIR, ultrasonic spray coating, GCMS, LCMS, spectrophotometer TOC analyzer, BOD/COD analyzer, instrument calibration and maintenance, SOP development,
- Laboratory Techniques: lab operation management, experimental design , Sample preparation (extraction, digestion, cleanup), Quality Control Testing (QA/QC), Analytical Troubleshooting
- Industrial Chemistry: pesticide Formulation development, quality control testing, pilot scale support, process optimization, regulatory compliance
- Data Analysis: Analytical Data Interpretation, Statistical Analysis , Technical Reporting, Documentation Control, Laboratory Databases, Microsoft , instrument software
- Leadership Skills: Mentoring, Coaching, and Training, Coordination of Long-Term Laboratory Initiatives, Strong Oral and Written Communication, Collaboration Across Departments, Continuous Improvement in Lab Processes and Analytical Efficiencies
- Software & Data Systems: Instrument software, Microsoft applications, analysis software, LMS
Languages
English
Persian
Timeline
Chemistry Instructor
Virginia Tech University
06.2023 - 01.2026
Senior Technical Officer
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
01.2016 - 03.2022
Senior Analytical Chemist
Department of Environmental Protection
01.2003 - 01.2010
Technical Lead, R&D
Pesticide Manufacturing Company
04.2002 - 12.2003
Ph.D. - Analytical Chemsitry
The Hong Kong Baptist University
Master of Science - Analytical Chemsitry
Shiraz University
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Shiraz University