Mike O'Connell
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated Flavor Applications Technologist with food science and culinary industry experience. Known for being approachable and collaborative. I use my technical knowledge and food culture insights to collaborate with sales and flavorist departments, showcasing my company's expertise in the flavor industry.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Applications Technologist
H. B. Taylor Co.
12.2023 - Current
- Apply flavors into food matrices and assess sensory quality to aid internal and customer R&D projects
- Conduct market trend research for use in sales demonstrations
- Apply trend data to develop and present tasting samples and presentations to customers
- Product development and ingredient sourcing
Teaching Assistant and Course Designer
The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Designed and tested laboratory protocols for culinary science course for food science students
- Led over 40 students through lab sessions each semester
- Used knowledge of American food culture and culinary arts for recipe selection and testing
- Revised previous lab notebooks to enhance student learning
- Responsible for inventory and ordering food and equipment
Research Assistant
The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
07.2021 - 06.2022
- Worked independently and collaboratively in a food safety microbiology laboratory
- Performed statistical, qualitative and quantitative analysis using excel and microbiology techniques
- Tested RTE food for microbiological safety
- Tested antimicrobial chemicals against pathogenic bacteria
- Gathered and presented research data
Sous Chef and Bar Manager's Assistant
Chicago Gaelic Park
05.2013 - 12.2023
- Responsible for preparation and execution of menu
- Trained kitchen staff
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality
- Responsible for tracking liquor inventory
- Developed food and drink menu items
Banquet Cook
Butterfield Country Club
05.2018 - 07.2020
- Cooked various types of cuisine for parties up to 900 people.
- Reading and interpreting banquet contracts.
- Worked as part of a team to ensure deadlines are met.
- Maintained a clean and positive work environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Human Nutrition
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
05.2022
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Flavor optimization
- Customer needs assessment
- Food chemistry
- Recipe formulation techniques
- Research and data analysis
Timeline
Applications Technologist
H. B. Taylor Co.
12.2023 - Current
Research Assistant
The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
07.2021 - 06.2022
Teaching Assistant and Course Designer
The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
05.2021 - 05.2022
Banquet Cook
Butterfield Country Club
05.2018 - 07.2020
Sous Chef and Bar Manager's Assistant
Chicago Gaelic Park
05.2013 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Human Nutrition
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
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