email:mgutierrez@agcenter.lsu.edu
EDUCATION
M.Sc. in Food Science, Louisiana State University, 2002-2004. Quality evaluation of cheddar cheese containing gamma-oryzanol
Complementary studies in Food Science and Technology, Universiteit Gent, Belgium, 2001-2002. B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala, 1994-1999. An evaluation of a purified water plant for pharmaceutical industry purpose.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Food safety and microbiology in seafood
Food product development.
EXPERIENCE
Louisiana State University AgCenter, 2007 – present, Baton Rouge, LA
Research Associate, Department of Food Science
Assist in research on food safety and microbiology issues related to Louisiana food processors. Assist writing manuscripts to be published in referred journals. Interact with local food processors in food safety issues and improvements. Assist teaching food microbiology and industrial microbiology classes
Escuela Nacional Central de Agricultura, 2004-2006, Bárcenas, Guatemala
Head, Agro-Industrial Engineering Department
Responsible for the entire budget and management for administration, teaching, operations, processing plant design and construction, scholarships, research and development and new projects of the Department.
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, 1999-2001, Guatemala, Guatemala
Unit Operations Laboratory Assistant, Chemical Engineering School
Responsible for handling and maintenance of various types of equipment used in the chemical engineering unit operations pilot plant facilities and run heat and mass balances. Assist faculty in optimizing and improving equipment in the laboratory. Propose and develop projects to diversify equipment uses and research work on new process technology. Technical support on teaching areas to faculty and students. Develop different systems on process control, not only for establishing, operating and working procedures, but for calibration curves creation and definition as well.
Bayer AG, 1997-2000, Guatemala, Guatemala
Quality Assurance Analyst, Division Consumer Care
Responsible for physical/chemical/microbiological analyses on raw materials, water samples, semi-processed and finished products. In charge of fulfilling internal SOP’s, GMP and GLP requirements together with documentation, validation and development of raw material and semi-processed products analysis and procedures. Lead a 2-person team to audit and calibrate various types of laboratory equipment; organized and distributed activities and duties of the team. Responsible for inventory control and handling, controlling and maintenance of a water purification plant for pharmaceutical purposes.
ORGANIZATIONS
Institute of Food Technologists, United States, student member 2003, 2004 and professional member 2007-present.
Chemical Engineers’ Society of Guatemala, Guatemala, professional member 2001-present
Fulbright-LASPAU grantee.