Making wine
Shamna Sainudeen Kaffila
Analytical Chemist
Murfreesboro,TN
Work Preference
Summary
Quality Assurance and Fermentation Science professional with over nine years of experience in analytical chemistry, food manufacturing, quality assurance, and process improvement. Recently earned a Master of Science in Professional Science (Fermentation Science) from Middle Tennessee State University and possess extensive expertise in food safety, fermentation processes, quality systems, and advanced analytical testing. Skilled in operating, troubleshooting, and interpreting data from sophisticated analytical instruments, including LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, HPLC, HPTLC, GC-MS, UV-Vis, FTIR, AAS, XRD, XRF, and discrete analyzers, with experience in method development, calibration, validation, and SOP development. Currently working as a Food Quality Assurance Technician in a high-volume protein bar manufacturing facility, conducting quality inspections, monitoring process controls, investigating non-conformances, and ensuring compliance with GMP, HACCP, and regulatory requirements. Previously gained hands-on production and fermentation experience at Honeytree Meadery, where I monitored fermentation parameters, performed quality testing, calculated ABV, managed production records, and developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for fermentation, sanitation, and production processes. Proven ability to bridge laboratory science with manufacturing operations through strong analytical, problem-solving, technical documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with a commitment to product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in the food, beverage, and fermentation industries.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Technician
Bridge Town Natural Foods
Mount Juliet, TN
04.2026 - Current
• Conduct quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished products to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Perform routine analytical and microbiological testing following SOPs and GMP guidelines.
• Monitor sanitation, hygiene, and production processes to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Record and maintain accurate laboratory and production documentation.
• Assist in identifying and resolving quality-related issues during production.
• Support HACCP, food safety, and quality assurance programs within the facility.
• Collaborate with production and laboratory teams to ensure product consistency and quality.
• Participate in environmental monitoring and inspection activities.
Production Assistant
Honey Tree Meadery
Nashville, TN
10.2025 - 04.2026
Monitored fermentation processes by measuring pH, specific gravity, temperature, and calculating ABV to ensure product quality and consistency.
Conducted quality control testing and maintained production documentation to support regulatory compliance and food safety standards.
Operated bottling, packaging, and processing equipment while troubleshooting operational issues to minimize downtime.
Cleaned, sanitized, and prepared fermentation vessels, brite tanks, and production equipment following GMP and sanitation requirements.
Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for fermentation, sanitation, quality control, bottling, and production processes to improve efficiency and ensure consistent product quality.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN
11.2023 - 08.2025
- Researching biodegradable food packaging from kefir under Dr. Keely O’Brien.
- Optimizing fermentation parameters (yield, quality, viability) using Good Laboratory Practices.
- Developing analytical methods for GC/HPLC to support R&D of fermented products.
Intern
Middle Tennessee State University
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Streamlined third-party testing for beer, wine, and dairy, reducing client response time.
- Developed novel SOP for RT-PCR equipment to advance fermentation research.
- Created GC/HPLC (ThermoFisher) methods for beverage sector samples.
- Performed quality analysis of beer/wine, improving fermentation profiles.
Research Assistant
School of Agriculture, MTSU
11.2023 - 09.2024
- Analyzed ginsenosides in fermented American Ginseng Beer using LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC.
- Enhanced product quality/safety through compound stability research.
Technical Officer
Univ. of Kerala
03.2018 - 07.2023
- Operated LC-MS/MS (Shimadzu), ICP-MS (ThermoFisher), HPTLC (CAMAG); trained researchers.
- Developed/validated analytical methods for chromatographic analysis.
Technical Assistant
Univ. of Kerala
10.2013 - 03.2018
- Conducted water/geochemical analysis via AAS, UV Spectrophotometry.
Education
Master of Science in Professional Science - Fermentation Science
Middle Tennessee State University
TN, USA08.2025
Master of Science - Chemistry
Alagappa University
India01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry & Industrial Chemistry
University of Kerala
India01.2009
Skills
Analytical Chemistry & Instrumentation
- LC-MS/MS (Shimadzu), ICP-MS (ThermoFisher), HPTLC (CAMAG), HPLC (ThermoFisher Ultra 2000), GC-MS
- UV-Vis Spectroscopy, FTIR, AAS, XRD, XRF, Discrete Analyzers (Gallery BeerMaster), Automatic Titrators
- Method development, SOP creation, calibration, validation, and troubleshooting
Fermentation Science & Food Quality
- Beer, wine, dairy, and distilled spirits quality analysis (SO₂, malic acid, ABV, microbial testing)
- Fermentation profiling, nutraceutical product research, and probiotic/functional food applications
- Laboratory safety, GLP/GMP compliance, and QC/QA practices
Data Analysis & Research Tools
- Statistical analysis: Stat Crunch, advanced Excel (pivot tables, data visualization)
- Research design, literature review, and technical/scientific writing (APA/AMA formatting)
Software & Professional Tools
- Shimadzu LabSolutions, Thermo Qtegra, Chromeleon, ChemStation/OpenLab, CAMAG winCATS
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Canva (infographics, posters)
- EndNote/Mendeley/Zotero for reference management
Professional Strengths
- Strong problem-solving, detail orientation, and time management
- Technical communication and educational demonstration (YouTube technical videos on LC-MS/MS, HPTLC, ICP-MS)
- Collaborative teamwork, mentoring, and networking in academic and industry settings
References
- Keely, O’Brien, Asst. Prof., Agriculture, keely.obrien@mtsu.edu, 423-488-1892, MTSU
- Lindsay, Rogerson, Lab Mgr/Adj. Prof., lrogerson@mtsu.edu, 865-209-9639, MTSU
Awards
Graduate Teaching Assistantship (MTSU, 2024), 2nd Prize: CBAS Graduate Poster (MTSU, 2024), International Access Scholarship (MTSU, 2023), YouTube Technical Demonstrator (Univ. Kerala): HPTLC | LC-MS/MS
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Publications
Book Chapter:
Shamna, S. K., S. Ananda Babu, and H. Gurumallesh Prabu. "Mentha arvensisAssisted Synthesis of Silver from Silver Nitrate." Chemistry of Phytopotentials: Health, Energy and Environmental Perspectives. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2012. 353-355.
Journal papers:
1. Raveendran, P., Shaji E. and Shamna, S.K. 2017 Characterization of Groundwater Quality in the Hard Rock Aquifers of Trivandrum District, Kerala, India. Pollution Research, 36(4), 839-842.
2. Namitha L. H. Kamarudeenkunju M., Suhara Beevy S. and Shamna S. K. 2019 Phytochemical characterization of fruits of the Tirunelveli Redwood Tree (Gluta travancorica Bedd.) using LC/MS with XCMS Data Analysis, International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 6, 507-510
Interests
Reading
Playing Badminton
Curious about Quantum Mechanics
Portfolio
Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry | LC-MS-MS| Shimadzu LC MS 8045 | CLIF| University of Kerala
High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography | CLIF | University of Kerala| KU Padasala
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP - MS) | CLIF | University of Kerala
Accomplishments
- During an Internship at Fermentation Science Analytical Laboratory, Improved experiment efficiency by 50% by introducing a revamped protocol and Standard Operating Procedures.
Software
Analytical & Scientific Software Shimadzu LabSolutions – LC-MS/MS operation, data processing, and method validation Thermo Scientific Qtegra – ICP-MS control, calibration, and quantitation Thermo Scientific Chromeleon / HPLC Software – chromatographic analysis, peak integration, and reporting Agilent ChemStation / OpenLab – HPLC/GC data acquisition and processing CAMAG winCATS – HPTLC method development and image/data analysis Gallery BeerMaster Discrete Analyzer Software – wine/beer quality testing (SO₂, malic acid, ABV) RT-PCR Software Platforms – method setup, thermal cycle programming, and data interpretation
Affiliations
- Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) – Graduate Teaching Assistant & Intern, Fermentation Science Analytical Laboratory
- University of Kerala – Technical Demonstrator, Educational Video Series (LC-MS/MS, HPTLC, ICP-MS)
Timeline
Quality Assurance Technician
Bridge Town Natural Foods
04.2026 - Current
Production Assistant
Honey Tree Meadery
10.2025 - 04.2026
Intern
Middle Tennessee State University
01.2025 - 05.2025
Graduate Teaching Assistant
School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University
11.2023 - 08.2025
Research Assistant
School of Agriculture, MTSU
11.2023 - 09.2024
Technical Officer
Univ. of Kerala
03.2018 - 07.2023
Technical Assistant
Univ. of Kerala
10.2013 - 03.2018
Master of Science in Professional Science - Fermentation Science
Middle Tennessee State University
Master of Science - Chemistry
Alagappa University
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry & Industrial Chemistry
University of Kerala