Michele McRae
Santa Cruz,CA
Summary
Industry recognized expert in product formulation, delivery systems, innovation, go-to-market offerings: Detail-driven senior formulation scientist with advanced expertise combining nutraceuticals with science, customizing for formulation excellence with sensory enhancement for consumer adherence. Adept at navigating regulatory landscapes, skilled in translating complex technical data into compliant, scalable formulations.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Company founder, Senior R&D Formulation Scientist and Consultant
Ethos Edge Formulation
09.2023 - Current
- Founded consultancy leveraging 15+ years of formulation and clinical nutrition expertise to innovate concept ideation.
- Developed strategic partnerships with suppliers to enhance ingredient sourcing efficiency.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Established and implemented innovative product formulations to meet market demands.
Senior R&D Formulation Chemist North America / Global NPD
Metagenics
01.2023 - 09.2025
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) on all aspects of formulation, new technologies, delivery systems, sensory, product/process development, scale-up and commercialization of all dietary supplement dosage forms.
- Led share-outs of baseline assessments of global delivery technologies among regions for best 'fits' for Metagenics Global NPD opportunities, with technology summaries, cost/dose, supplier, bioavailability, time to market, uniqueness of delivery system and more.
- Oversaw global product development initiatives for gummy platform, sourcing suppliers with no added sugar or sweetener options to ensure highest quality organoleptics, clean label.
- Designed small Gummy PD lab on-site for benchtops and sensory
- Managed product development process to successfully introduce 3-in-1 probiotic gummy, including Herwellness Naturally Balanced Rapid Period Relief Ultraflora Probiotic + Multivitamin and further products.
Company Founder, Senior R&D Formulation Scientist Consultant
Ethos Edge Formulation
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Leveraging industry contacts, experience, clinical nutritionist certification, as consultant or full-time, with brands, start-ups, CM’s, on-site and/or remotely, from product concept to formulation, product development to launch.
Senior Director, R&D CLOROX/ Nutranext
CLOROX/ Nutranext
12.1998 - 12.2021
- Championed >750 product launches, leading end-to-end formulation strategy for award-winning, market-disruptive supplements, driving aggressive growth with Rainbow Light / Nutranext.
- Managed risk effectively by identifying potential threats, developing contingency plans, and implementing mitigation strategies in line with overall business objectives.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance with local laws, standards, and regulations relevant to the business domain.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products, meeting deadlines and budgets.
- Formulated > 75 clean label nutraceutical gummy products, including first-to-market low, no sugar, and no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, optimized flavor sensory, validated stability testing protocols.
- Leading science through formulation, product development to commercialization, ensuring clinical efficacy and excellence
- Director of Formulation Rainbow Light, promoted to Senior Director of Formulation, then Senior Director New Product Development, then Senior Director of R&D Nutranext, then Nutranext / CLOROX.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition Science
University of California
Davis, CASkills
Nutraceuticals Formulation
Science Claims
Dietary Supplements
All Delivery Systems
Flavor Sensory
Benchtop to Scale-up
Nutrition Biochemistry
Metabolic Health
Gender Ages Lifestyle
Websites
Certification
- Council for Responsible Nutrition and American Herbal Products Association
- Certified Nutritionist (CN) | American Health Science University, Aurora, CO
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Company founder, Senior R&D Formulation Scientist and Consultant
Ethos Edge Formulation
09.2023 - Current
Senior R&D Formulation Chemist North America / Global NPD
Metagenics
01.2023 - 09.2025
Company Founder, Senior R&D Formulation Scientist Consultant
Ethos Edge Formulation
01.2022 - 12.2022
Senior Director, R&D CLOROX/ Nutranext
CLOROX/ Nutranext
12.1998 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition Science
University of California
LEADERSHIP AND EXECUTION EXCELLENCE
- Lead formulator responsible for product concept through formulation and launch of > 750 products driving aggressive cross- channel growth, award-winning innovation, brand leadership and company success with CLOROX / Nutranext
- Created Rainbow Light’s first-to-market # 1 best-selling Women’s One, Men’s One, Prenatal One MVs, YOY > $150M
- Devised, developed phenomenally successful botanical and nutraceutical condition-specific remedies targeting allergy, cognitive, migraine, pain, PMS, women’s health, mood, energy, adaptogen and sleep formulas
- Formulated > 75 clean label nutraceutical gummy products, including first-to-market natural low and no sugar options, optimized flavor sensory development, validated stability testing protocols.
- Able to match/coordinate CMO’s for unique delivery formats; managing risk, COGs, timelines, change control across scale-up to successful launch
- Cultivated deep industry expertise, trusted supplier networks, earning top-tier trade and media recognition that unlocked breakthrough innovation opportunities for leading brands