Senior Analytical Chemist (Product and R&D Specialist)

NOMACORC, Zebulon, NC , USA

Developed analytical chemistry methods and led product R&D projects for a plastic wine closure manufacturer with operations in the US, Belgium and China. Member of 14-person laboratory team delivering high-quality analytical services to internal QA and R&D departments and external customers, following FDA/EU and GLP/GMP regulations. Developed products based on new polymer materials and color concentrates.

Graduate Student Researcher/ Graduate Student Assistant

FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – Melbourne, FL , USA

Synthesized and characterized modified napaoparticles and prepared polymer nanocomposites via extrusion for construction, medical devices and packaging industries. Tested and analyzed data, resolving ongoing research problems and proposing new design modes for composite materials. Member of 5-person research team under the direction of Dr. Gordon L. Nelson, Professor and The Dean of the College of Science, recognized as a leader in the field of degradation, flame retardancy and physical chemistry of polymers.
Developed a new design of inexpensive and strong plastic composite materials that exceeded mechanical performance of its counterparts by using 1-2% of readily available alumina additives, while commercially available composite materials typically use 30% level of additives.
Gave organic laboratory lectures and supervised lab sessions averaging 60 students per term. Distributed and collected examination sheets, answered students questions, and monitored examinations. Worked under the supervision of Dr. Monica Baloga, recipient of the Florida Tech Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award in 1998 and the University Excellence Award for 2006.
Trained several hundred students in organic laboratory skills and the use of analytical chemistry instrumentation (NMR, FTIR, UV-vis, and GC MS).

Scientist, Non-ferrous and Precious Metals

CENTRAL EXPLORATION AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE – Moscow, Russia

Conducted theoretical and experimental research in analytical chemistry of metals found in ores, soils and water for one of the top Russian research centers, collaborating with Galina V. Sedelnikova, Chair of the Division for the Enrichment of Mineral Raw Materials. Administered routine test requests including sample dissolution, pH measurements, buffer solutions preparation, extractions and atomic absorption spectroscopy testing of prepared solutions that determined metal concentration. Trained laboratory personnel to perform tests on ICP-MS and wrote quarterly lab research reports.
Increased laboratory testing capacity and profitability by developing a faster ICP-MS method allowing detection of a broad range of elements and metals simultaneously within minutes.
Created a rapid fluorimetric method that measured the speed of oxidation reaction caused by trace amounts of rhodium or iridium in solutions, eliminating need for utilizing expensive measuring equipment.

Scientist

MOSCOW SERBSKYI STATE SCIENTIFIC CENTER OF SOCIAL AND CRIMINAL PSYCHIATRY

Implemented new HPLC, solid extraction and sample preparation methods for a 10-person neurochemistry laboratory team for a leading top Russian forensic science institute that modernized study, diagnostics and treatment methods for mental disorders and diseases.
Employed a new method to detect selected neurotransmitters and their metabolites in biological fluids. As a result, laboratory was able to increase the amount of tests for the medical team.
Established a subsection for an extended database for medical mapping of disease and laboratory tests that ensured more accurate diagnosis and treatment for medical patients.