Research and Development

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EDUCATION

Ph.D / Food Science •••••
Alabama A&M University ••••• Normal, AL.
GPA: •••••/•••••
Dissertation Title: Effect of Fermentation Conditions on Phytochemical Composition and quality attributes of Wine from Cranberries

Master of Science / Food Science••••• September •••••
Acharya •••••a Agricultural University Hyderabad, India.
GPA: •••••/•••••
Thesis Title: Isolation of yeast strains having amylolytic and pectinolytic
activities and production of alcohol from fruit and vegetable wastes

Bachelor of Science / Agriculture••••• July •••••
Acharya •••••a Agricultural University Hyderabad, India.
GPA: •••••/•••••
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WORK EXPERIENCE

Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Food and Animal Sciences / Alabama A&M University, AL. US
Jan. ••••• present
Currently working on Effect of Fermentation Conditions on Phytochemical Composition and quality attributes of Wine from Cranberries
Extensively used HPLC for identification of phytochemical compounds in fruits and vegetables
Optimized and developed experimental protocol for understanding the effect of temperature and pH on wine production in cranberries.
Experienced in working with GC and GC-MS for detection of alcohol and fatty acids in food products
Used ICP for mineral analysis in wine samples
Worked as team leader to develop Very Berry Fruit Smoothies enriched with DHA, for age group of ••••• years at Alabama A&M University
Experience in handling equipments like fermentor / bioreactor Spectrophotometer, Hunter lab, Viscometer, Texture press
Assisted the PI in conducting Food Chemistry and Food Analysis Labs

Assistant Manager
Syndicate Bank Hyderabad, India.
Nov. ••••• Dec. •••••
Experienced in project financing, agriculture lending, commodity financing for food and allied industries
Experienced in in-depth balance sheet analysis, credit appraisal memos as part of the credit appraisal and economic viability of the projects
Conducted monthly plant visits to monitor and document compliance standards, sanitation certificates and credit utilization

Graduate Research Assistant
Dept. of Agricultural Microbiology / A.N.G.R.A.U Hyderabad, India.
August ••••• August •••••
Isolation of yeast from various sources like molasses, palm sap, mango processing waste, etc. Used this isolated yeast for production of alcohol from fruit and vegetable wastes
Worked as team leader for development of whey based fruit juice beverages, whey protein based ice creams and biscuits
Developed Soy based flavored yogurts using Lactobacillus spp
Developed Stevia based traditional Indian deserts for diabetics
Conducted biochemical tests like hydrolysis of macromolecules, fermentation of carbohydrates, indole production, citrate utilization test for identification and differentiation of bacteria in water samples
Conducted standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, and preservatives in order to ensure compliance with standards and regulations
Provided assistance to food scientists and technologists in research and development, production technology, and quality control
In depth knowledge in lab techniques such as thin layer chromatography, Western blot and ELISA
Experienced with calculating fat analysis, protein quantification, total and reducing sugars, carbohydrates estimation, total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins , antioxidant capacities in foods
Assisted PI in conducting Agricultural Microbiology Lab
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PRESENTATIONS

Vijaya Bhaskar •••••, Lloyd •••••er, Yvonne Chukwumah, Martha Verghese, Simon Ogutu (•••••). Fermentation Effects on Total Phenolics, Flavonoids and Anthocyanins in Cranberries During Wine Making at IFT annual meeting, Anaheim, CA.
Vijaya Bhaskar •••••, Lloyd •••••er, Yvonne Chukwumah, Martha Verghese, Simon Ogutu (•••••). Effect of Fermentation conditions on individual phytochemicals in cranberry wine at IFT annual meeting, Chicago, IL.
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TRAINING, WORKSHOPS, AND INTERNSHIPS

Internship at M.S. United Breweries Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad, India.
Internship at M.S. Coca cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad, India on effective utilization of water in a beverage Industry.
National seminar on Food Safety and Quality Control in India held at ANGRAU, Hyderabad, India.
National seminar on Recent trends in food processing at National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India.
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Student member of Institute of Food Technologists
Team captain-IFT College Bowl (Alabama A&M University •••••)
Student member of Phi Tau Sigma
Student member of Association of Food Scientists and Technologist
Student member of Indian Science congress
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COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Office, SAS, SPSS and End Note

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