Lauren Bentson
Clovis,CA
Summary
Multi-faceted Food Technologist dedicated to scientific and engineering principles in research, development, and production technology for food development. Committed to maintaining quality control in ongoing effort to invent new recipes and concepts. Applied advanced food technology to produce relevant products.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Technical Applications Lab
Gusmer Enterprises Inc
Fresno, CA
06.2021 - Current
- Executed complex research projects encompassing fermentation techniques, brewing methodologies, enzymatic processes, and production optimization to improve yield and efficiency
- Oversaw daily laboratory operations, including schedule coordination, inventory management, equipment calibration, and adherence to safety protocols
- Acted as the Site PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual), spearheading the development, refinement, and implementation of food safety plans to meet FDA compliance
- Led comprehensive internal audits, identifying gaps in processes and ensuring corrective actions were implemented effectively
- Collaborated cross-functionally with production teams to troubleshoot issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Conducted extensive sensory evaluations, including taste profiling and filtration studies, to ensure alignment with quality standards, and enhance product consistency.
- Drafted standard operating procedures related to food engineering activities.
- Identified and evaluated potential suppliers for procuring raw materials.
Quality Assurance Microbiologist
Pom Wonderful, LLC
Del Rey, CA
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Designed and executed experimental protocols for the validation and development of new products, ensuring robust scientific accuracy
- Created detailed reports summarizing production performance metrics such as throughput, yield, waste.
- Established sanitation guidelines and monitored employee adherence to these regulations.
- Provided critical technical support to production teams and customers on microbiological safety, addressing queries and ensuring resolution
- Streamlined processes for both existing and new products by identifying inefficiencies and implementing evidence-based improvements
- Facilitated quality issue resolution through team meetings and hands-on guidance during production to uphold high standards of compliance
- Managed non-conformity reporting processes, conducted in-depth root cause analyses, and implemented data-driven corrective actions to address microbiological and chemical testing anomalies
- Prepared detailed technical reports and presented findings to senior leadership, supporting data-driven decision-making
- Drafted standard operating procedures related to food engineering activities.
- Established sanitation guidelines and monitored employee adherence to these regulations.
- Presented new and improved flavors and enhancements to existing client product lines.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify areas of improvement in taste, texture, or other attributes of food products.
Quality Assurance Intern
Ingomar Packing Company
Los Banos, CA
05.2018 - 10.2018
- Revised and updated SQF (Safe Quality Food) documentation to reflect compliance with the latest industry standards
- Successfully introduced and managed a QMS (Quality Management System) using SharePoint, improving document accessibility and version control
- Conducted rigorous internal and external audits, meticulously documenting findings and ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive Preventive Environmental Monitoring Program (PEMP), enhancing site-wide environmental safety and sanitation
- Acted as a key contributor in environmental monitoring, identifying risks and creating mitigation strategies to prevent contamination
Education
M.S. - Food Safety
Michigan State University
04.2024
B.S. - Food and Nutritional Sciences
California State University, Fresno
12.2018
Skills
- HACCP & FSMA Compliance
- Food Safety & Quality Research
- Internal Auditing & Risk Assessment
- Regulatory Compliance (FDA, USDA, ISO)
- Product development expertise
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Shelf life optimization
- Good manufacturing practices adherence
- Food microbiology
- Project management
Affiliations
- IAFP
- IFT
Certification
- HACCP & HARPC Certified
- PCQI Human & Animal Food
- Food Defense Certification
Contact
Clovis, CA 93619
Timeline
Technical Applications Lab
Gusmer Enterprises Inc
06.2021 - Current
Quality Assurance Microbiologist
Pom Wonderful, LLC
09.2019 - 06.2021
Quality Assurance Intern
Ingomar Packing Company
05.2018 - 10.2018
M.S. - Food Safety
Michigan State University
B.S. - Food and Nutritional Sciences
California State University, Fresno
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