Poonam Gopika Vinayamohan
Exton,USA
Summary
Accomplished Research Microbiologist specializing in development of preventive controls against food-borne pathogens at USDA. Demonstrated success in project management and stakeholder engagement, ensuring adherence to biosafety regulations. Proficient in statistical analysis and promoting team collaboration, advancing food safety practices through innovative research initiatives.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Microbiologist
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
12.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
- Developed and optimized protocols for validating biological, chemical, and physical preventive controls against food-borne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and avian influenza virus, in raw, processed, and ready-to-eat foods, ensuring compliance with USDA and CDC biosafety regulations.
- Conducted risk assessments for pathogen fate during processing and storage, evaluating verification testing of biological and physical interventions.
- Authored and revised SOPs, data documentation, evaluation, staff training, and prepared the lab for internal and external audits.
- Performed routine microbiological procedures, including sterile media preparation, bacterial inoculum preparation, subculturing, pH, water activity, and moisture measurements.
- Conducted statistical analysis for tests done.
- Collaborated with laboratory teams to promote a safety culture, providing technical support, and preparing for external audits.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of biosafety regulations through literature reviews, supporting biosafety program management.
Assistant Research Professor
University of Connecticut
Connecticut, CT
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Company Overview: Department of Animal Science.
- Partnered with industry stakeholders to develop project proposals for pre-clinical studies assessing potential drug candidates; prepared detailed budgets, timelines, and deliverables that aligned with client expectations, and strategic goals.
- Managed a BSL2 microbiology lab, overseeing the hiring, supervision, training, and mentoring of junior staff, resulting in the completion of three major microbiology projects.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary research teams to advance key food safety initiatives.
- Translated complex research findings into actionable insights, developing five targeted technical reports and scientific communications for diverse stakeholders.
- Designed and led animal studies (mice and poultry) to assess antimicrobial efficacy, conducting risk assessments, and developing biosafety policies for four preclinical studies.
- Collaborated with IBC to review and update SOPs, ensuring compliance with NIH and OSHA standards, and delivered training programs on laboratory safety procedures.
- Created educational materials for interdisciplinary teams, enhancing biosafety awareness, and supporting strategic biosafety initiatives.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
11.2020 - 12.2022
- Company Overview: Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
- Collaborated on multiple international, multi-year research projects, translating key findings into practical applications for dairy farmers to enhance on-farm food safety practices.
- Managed a BSL-2 microbiology lab for two years, developing protocols, SOPs, and compliance, while ensuring timely project completion.
- Directed the recruitment, management, and performance evaluation of lab staff, ensuring the development of a highly competent, and efficient laboratory team.
- Participated in foodborne illness outbreak investigations as part of an epidemiology course for DVM students, and gained an understanding of outbreak investigation steps, epidemiological data analysis, and public-health decision-making.
- Mentored and trained six junior staff members in food safety microbiology, fostering their development, and contributing to successful independent research projects.
- Compiled research findings into comprehensive reports, analyzed the results, and presented the results at scientific conferences, contributing to the broader scientific community.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
08.2016 - 11.2020
- Led a pioneering project employing probiotics and phytochemicals to control bacterial pathogens and reduce antimicrobial resistance spread through food production.
- Delivered award-winning research presentations at international conferences, effectively communicating key findings and their industry impact.
- Developed IACUC protocols and ensured compliance with EHS standards, facilitating the completion of 2 major poultry challenge studies.
- Played a key role in securing a $10 million in multi-university, multi-agency research project focused on controlling poultry bacterial pathogens.
- Conduct gram stain, sterile media fills, equipment upkeep, bacterial sub-culture, cell culture.
- Demonstrated advanced proficiency in laboratory techniques and data interpretation, synthesizing comprehensive research reports, and presenting significant findings at scientific conferences.
Veterinary Surgeon
Animal Husbandry Department
Kerala, India
08.2015 - 02.2016
- Provided medical and surgical treatment to a diverse range of animals, including companion pets, small animals, and large livestock, ensuring the health and well-being of each patient.
- Managed office tasks, including detailed medical record maintenance, client communications, and regulatory compliance, while actively participating in the development and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives.
- Engaged in community education programs, conducted workshops on animal care, and collaborated with local organizations to promote animal health and welfare, furthering strong relationships within the community.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Food Microbiology and Safety
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT11.2020
Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry -
Kerala Veterinary & Animal Sciences University
Kerala, India03.2015
Skills
- Microbiology Subject Matter Expert
- Lethality Validation Studies
- Risk Assessments & Risk Management
- Scientific Writing & Reporting
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Project Management
- Staff Training
- Collaboration & Coordination
- Problem-solving
- Preventive Controls
- Communication Skills
- Technical Reports & Presentations
- GMP
- Team Leadership & Development
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Protocol development
- Statistical analysis
- SOP writing
- Laboratory management
- Food safety practices
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Hypothesis testing
- Experimental design
- Laboratory equipment functions
- Safety processes and procedures
- Laboratory techniques
Certification
- HACCP (Meat and Poultry)
- PCQI
Awards
- 2019, Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut
- 2019, Fall 2019 Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, University of Connecticut
- 2018, Certificate of Excellence, Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting
- 2013, Award for Best Presentation, CAHNR Graduate Research Forum, University of Connecticut
Professional Services
- Technical committee member, North-east SARE (USDA), 01/01/19, Present
- Ad-hoc reviewer, Competitive grant (UConn), 01/01/23, Present
Timeline
Research Microbiologist
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
12.2024 - Current
Assistant Research Professor
University of Connecticut
01.2023 - 12.2024
Postdoctoral Research Associate
The Ohio State University
11.2020 - 12.2022
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Connecticut
08.2016 - 11.2020
Veterinary Surgeon
Animal Husbandry Department
08.2015 - 02.2016
Doctor of Philosophy - Food Microbiology and Safety
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry -
Kerala Veterinary & Animal Sciences University
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