About
In June 2012 I graduated from University of California, Davis with a Bachelors of Science degree in Food Science and Technology. After spending some time working in industry I returned to school at the University of Leeds where I finished earning a Master’s degree in Food Quality and Innovation in 2020. While working on my Master’s degree, my team project was awarded Best MSc Team Project for the 2019/2020 year and I was awarded Best MSc Food Quality and Innovation student for the 2019/2020 year. I am highly adaptive and excel at solving problems with creative solutions. I have had held a number of positions that have given me experience ranging from production, market research, product development, sourcing, and sensory and consumer insights.
Experience
Sensory Panel Manager
Lead design and execution of descriptive sensory and consumer studies (CLT, DA, focus groups) to guide product innovation and assess new technologies. Train, manage, and monitor performance of descriptive sensory panels; ensure data quality and reliability. Translate consumer expectations into actionable insights for R&D and product development teams. Perform statistical analysis of sensory data using XLStat, R, and SIMS to evaluate panel performance and product differentiation. Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to integrate consumer insights into product strategy. Secure IRB approvals and oversee compliant consumer testing protocols. Mentor and manage a sensory technician to support testing operations. Contributed to company culture by serving on PEP committee and co-planning company-wide events.
Sensory Scientist
Juul Labs · Mountain View, California, United States
Designed and managed descriptive and discrimination sensory studies to support product development. Applied sensory methodologies (DA, discrimination, acceptability) to evaluate consumer perception of product attributes. Analyzed sensory data with XLStat, R, and Compusense; communicated statistical outcomes to cross-functional stakeholders. Produced clear, actionable reports summarizing consumer insights for leadership and R&D team.
Corporate Sensory Technologist
Amy's Kitchen · Petaluma, CA
Directed consumer insights studies to inform new product development and optimization. Evaluated raw material intake and oversaw plant trialing to ensure consistency and quality. Designed and executed surveys for sensory evaluation; synthesized results into actionable recommendations. Collaborated with buyers, regulatory, and R&D to prevent supply chain shortages and optimize workflow. Partnered with a cross-functional committee to reduce product weights for cost savings while maintaining consumer satisfaction.
Senior Project Manager
Research Now SSI · San Francisco Bay Area
Project Manager
Research Now · San Francisco Bay Area
Managed logistics for online consumer survey projects; ensured proper demographic targeting and representative data collection. Oversaw up to 30 projects simultaneously, maintaining budgets, timelines, and quality standards. Coordinated client, vendor, and internal communications to ensure successful recruitment and execution of consumer studies. Delivered actionable insights from quantitative and qualitative data to guide client decision-making.
Project Manager
Tragon Corporation · Redwood City, California
Supervised consumer sensory testing projects (75-300 respondents) for CPG clients, ensuring high-quality data collection. Developed recruitment screeners, questionnaires, and protocols aligned with project objectives and client timelines. Managed project budgets ($20K–$80K) and coordinated procurement and expenditures. Acted as key client contact, ensuring successful study execution and on-time delivery of results.
Sensory Technician
Lagunitas Brewing Company · Petaluma, CA
Developed and conducted descriptive sensory panels for flavor profiling, defect identification, and product optimization. Led large consumer panels (250+ respondents) to assess product quality and inform brewing processes. Analyzed sensory data using EyeQuestion and Excel; reported findings to cross-site brewing teams. Facilitated daily roundtable evaluations to determine product readiness for filtration and release. Promoted from Brewer through demonstrated technical expertise and leadership.
Front of House Employee
ASUCD Coffee House
Education
University of Leeds
Master of Science - MS, Food Quality and Innovation
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Food Science and Technology
Find leads like Daniel
Origami finds your ideal customers across 15+ data sources with a single prompt.
Try Origami Free