Pamela Cabrera

Plant and Pilot Plant Support

• Aided engineers in conducting analytical analysis within an experimental lab environment. Collaborated on offline and online assay and substances involving a pilot plant.
• Performed method validation and executed data processing to support plants globally and in-house.
• Enhanced the effectiveness of in-house CSTR reactors through the provision of online HPLC chromatography troubleshooting and instrument support.
• Supported Process Analytical Team with bio-reactor start-ups globally.

Method Development

• Developed and qualified assay of branched alcohols from 1-butanol to 1-tretradecanol in reactor broth by GC-FID.
• Performed acid hydrolysis to extract nucleotides and quantified utilizing HPLC-DAD and Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS.
• Proteomics analysis of biological samples via HPLC MS/MS.
• Metabolite analysis for online and offline CSTRS.

Instrument Maintenance/ Troubleshooting

• Subject matter expert (SME) of multiple instrument platforms.
• Perform maintenance to ensure smooth operation and continue function for extended periods of time.
• Provide remote assistance to outside agencies to ensure accurate and effective use of methods developed in-house.

LIMS

• SME and Administrator of addition of new methods to the LIMS system.
• Implemented system in LIMS to maintain record of work performed for government projects.
• Keep detailed and updated records for SOP documentation, instrument maintenance, system calibration, and standard trends.
• Designed a sample chain of custody (COC) for in-house and international samples within the department.

Leadership

• Lead meetings and presentations regarding ongoing research.
• Lead weekend staff to ensure testing performed during off hours follows correct methods and delivers results.
• Provided in depth training for instruments and LIMS.
• Organized cultural events to promote camaraderie and boost morale among the department.

Wet Chemistry

• Proficient in various fat extraction techniques including fat acid hydrolysis, Rose Gottlieb, and Fat Soxhlet extractions
• Analyzed fiber content by employing the Ankom TDF analyzer for crude, insoluble, soluble, and total dietary measurements.
• Proficient in operating UV/Vis equipment for accurate measurement of natamycin and β-carotene.
• Conducted analysis on a range of samples to evaluate peroxide value and free fatty acid
• Skilled at conducting Karl Fisher and acid/base titrations accurately.
• Achieved proficiency in conducting Salt Volhard and Mohr Volhard titrations
• Streamlined and refined the Monier-Williams method for precise determination of sulfites in food samples.

LECO

• Acurately analyze percent protein and nitrogen concentration in samples.
• Performed daily instrument routines such as leak checks and replacing reagents to comply with ISO standards.
• Analyze samples with corresponding protein factors.
• Performed calls with LECO engineers.