Kristen Islas
Oakdale,CA
Summary
As a graduate of University of California, Merced, with a BSc in Environmental Science. A have a solid foundation in the natural and physical sciences, as well as a passion for environmental sustainability and quality control. Can offer expertise in problem-solving, data analysis and customer service. Adept at quickly learning new technologies and processes for driving success. Have applied knowledge and skills to various projects and roles in the food and beverage industry, where the ability to perform chemical analysis, data management, and quality assurance was demonstrated. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Raw Materials Specialist
Kevin's Natural Foods
04.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with quality control department to devise and implement testing procedures for incoming raw materials, ensuring product consistency and reliability and resolved any issues related to the quality of incoming materials.
- Worked with purchasing team on raw material quality and collaborated together with suppliers.
- Inspected incoming shipments to identify discrepancies with records.
- Compared shipping orders and invoices against contents received to verify accuracy.
- Rejected damaged items, recorded shortages and corresponded with shippers to rectify issues.
- Evaluated vendor documents for inherent risks associated with certain services or products.
- Developed material risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks.
QA Laboratory Technician
Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. - Tio Francisco and Rizo Bros Cheeses
05.2023 - 02.2024
- Served as a subject matter during internal audits, demonstrating competency in all aspects of laboratory operations.
- Evaluated raw materials for conformance with specifications, reducing production inconsistencies.
- Maintained equipment calibration, ensuring accurate test results and compliance with industry standards.
- Reduced production delays by performing efficient sample preparation and testing procedures.
- Assisted in the development of new test methods to streamline laboratory processes.
- Aided in root cause analysis for product defects, leading to improved manufacturing processes.
- Maintained quality documentation and records for conformance with relevant standards.
- Enhanced workplace safety by conducting regular equipment maintenance checks and updating safety procedures.
- Performed statistical analysis of environmental data.
Laboratory Technician
E. & J. Gallo Winery
02.2022 - 02.2023
- Ensured timely completion of projects by effectively prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently.
- Contributed to the development of new testing methods for increased accuracy and reliability in results.
- Improved turnaround times for sample analysis by streamlining workflows within the lab environment.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement within routine tasks, enhancing overall efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
- Prepared comprehensive reports on laboratory findings, facilitating informed decision-making for project stakeholders.
- Assisted in training new employees on laboratory protocols, fostering a culture of continuous learning among staff members.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to proper chemical handling and storage procedures.
- Inspected and performed basic maintenance on laboratory equipment.
Research Assistant
University of California, Merced
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Adapted quickly to new areas of focus within the lab or department, demonstrating flexibility in learning new concepts or methods.
- Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Maintained up-to-date records of research activities and results for future reference.
- Assisted in the completion of research projects, conducting literature reviews and gathering relevant information.
Sales Associate
Shamrock Flowers & Gifts
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Streamlined order processing for improved efficiency, accurately taking and fulfilling orders in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
Point of Sale Associate
Kohl's
11.2018 - 01.2019
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc - Environmental Science
University of California, Merced
Bachelor of Science - Geological And Earth Sciences
University of California, Merced
Merced, CASkills
- Documentation Management
- Quality Assurance
- Management collaboration
- Technical communication
- Root Cause Analysis
- Analytical Thinking
- Data Analysis
- Issue Research
Certification
California Driver's License
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Raw Materials Specialist
Kevin's Natural Foods
04.2024 - Current
QA Laboratory Technician
Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. - Tio Francisco and Rizo Bros Cheeses
05.2023 - 02.2024
Laboratory Technician
E. & J. Gallo Winery
02.2022 - 02.2023
Research Assistant
University of California, Merced
08.2021 - 12.2021
Sales Associate
Shamrock Flowers & Gifts
10.2019 - 05.2021
Point of Sale Associate
Kohl's
11.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc - Environmental Science
University of California, Merced
Bachelor of Science - Geological And Earth Sciences
University of California, Merced
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