David Castillo Estrada

• Support innovation and product development projects across ingredient categories • Develop bench-scale formulations and food applications using ofi ingredients • Assist with pilot plant, manufacturing, and third-party scale-up trials • Perform physical, chemical, and microbiological testing and analyze results • Create and maintain product and plant operating specifications • Collaborate with manufacturing, sales, and product teams to meet customer requirements • Prepare customer samples and provide technical documentation and follow-up

• Processed raw materials, such as sorghum and soy, to extract valuable components like sugar, fibers, and saponins for research and sustainable applications, using equipment such as a Vibro-Energy Round Separator, Rotary Evaporator, Hammermill, Jet-Cooker, and industrial crusher. • Operated and optimized advanced bioprocessing systems, including bioreactors and floor centrifuges, to refine extracts, monitor moisture consistency, and achieve precise process parameters for consistent product quality. • Conducted quality analysis using tools like moisture analyzers and Brix measurements to ensure adherence to industry standards, supporting accurate data collection and process improvements.

• Contributed to blend matching projects through detailed sensory evaluations, comparing competitor products, and adjusting formulations to achieve target flavor profiles. • Led a cost-saving initiative through ingredient performance analysis, identifying cost-effective alternatives, and optimizing blends to maintain product quality. • Assisted in creating new seasoning blends from scratch, following formulation procedures, preparing samples, and supporting internal tastings and demos for sales and product teams. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gain insight into product development workflows, customer interactions, and commercial food decision-making processes. • Applied business and food science knowledge to practical day-to-day work, focusing on stages of product development, ingredient functionality, and flavor balance.

• Facilitated 7 studies and assisted with 30-50 additional projects, ensuring study efficiency, protocol compliance, and overseeing potential issues throughout all phases. • Processed 10–300 biological samples weekly using aseptic techniques to ensure sterility and prevent contamination, depending on study demands. • Provided support with collection, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of data from pre-clinical studies of biological activity of chemical and physical agents • Applied methods and techniques from the disciplines of toxicology, zoology, anatomy, and related fields

• Adapted quickly to fast-paced environments, prioritizing efficiency and focusing to ensure smooth blood collection and animal welfare, while maintaining safe and hygienic lab practices. • Complied with rigorous lab protocols for blood collection and processing, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and precision. • Engaged in lab meetings and presentations on gene expression profiling, dietary fiber, microbiome, and novel proteins, advancing our understanding of animal nutrition research and promoting lab achievements.

• Assisted veterinary staff during appointments with 100-120 pet owners per week, communicating with owners and providing requested services as needed. • Record all pertinent medical, client and case related information in the patient record accurately with appropriate grammar, terms, and accurate information. • Remained composed in stressful and emotional situations while demonstrating a sense of urgency within a fast-paced, high-stress environment

ICU and IMC Responsibilities: • Assisted with patient care during major treatment times (7 AM, 1 PM, 7 PM in ICU; 8 AM, 2 PM, 8 PM in IMC), including restraining animals, walking dogs, feeding patients, and maintaining clean cages. • Recognized and adhered to treatment limitations, refraining from performing vital sign assessments (TPRs and BPs), setting up fluids, or administering medications (oral or IV). • Demonstrated a proactive approach to tasks by seeking clarification or guidance when uncomfortable with specific treatments or tasks. ER Responsibilities: • Provided crucial assistance in the emergency room by restraining animals for various diagnostics and procedures, including TPRs, blood collection, cystocentesis, AFAST/TFAST, and more. • Contributed to laboratory operations by accurately labeling blood tubes and delivering them to Clinical Pathology or Microbiology departments when necessary.