Maria Calderon Vaca

I research applications of proteins across various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. SMPD Lab

I research applications of proteins across various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. SMPD Lab

•Led R&D efforts to consolidate multiple formulations into streamlined prototypes, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and production capabilities. •Managed complex manufacturing transfers, including formula revalidation with regionally sourced ingredients and adaptation to new production sites. •Lead cross-functional product development from concept through formula approval, integrating sustainability, performance testing, and consumer insights. •Mentored junior scientists and served as a technical lead for formulation troubleshooting and rheology-based optimization. •Partnered with global suppliers to evaluate and integrate innovative raw materials into the development pipeline.

•Formulated a range of hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling treatments. •Researched and applied sustainable surfactants and fixative polymers to support sustainable innovation. •Developed performance-optimized products tailored to the needs of textured hair. •Utilized rheological methods to guide product development and optimize sensorial attributes. •Initiated and implemented a 5S lab organization program, later scaled across the department to enhance efficiency and safety.

•Batched shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments. •Optimized scale-up processes using different manufacturing systems (Olsa and Becomix) to ensure consistency with product specifications. •Independently managed and executed reformulation projects across multiple brands. •Conducted stability studies and monitored performance of hair care products under various storage conditions.

•Completion of documents specific to Regulatory compliance. •Reviews and makes necessary revisions to technical data sheets, safety data sheets, and other standard regulatory documents, as needed. •Independently prepares documentation for new products. •Assist in the development of standard operating procedures. •Follow regulatory standard operating procedures.

•Perform appropriate Laboratory practices and procedures for making product formulations and testing of prototype formulations. •Conduct both routine and non-routine testing of formulas. •Maintain, monitor, validate, and calibrate laboratory equipment as necessary. •Maintains accurate, up-to-date test records. •Prepare reports, collects, assembles test data, and performs data analysis, including statistical analysis. •Communicate progress and completion of testing

•Developed and launched effective hair care and styling formulations tailored to consumer needs. •Improved product profitability through cost-optimized formulations without compromising performance. •Streamlined production processes for hair gels and toothpaste, enhancing manufacturing efficiency. •Designed and analyzed sensory tests to evaluate consumer perception and product feel. •Created protocols for evaluating packaging materials to ensure quality and compatibility. •Maintained close collaboration with raw material and packaging suppliers to ensure technical alignment and innovation.

•Integrated programming tools (MATLAB and Excel) into the Thermodynamics II curriculum to enhance applied problem-solving. •Supported students in developing critical thinking and analytical skills through lectures, tutorials, and hands-on exercises. •Collaborated effectively with faculty and communicated complex technical concepts in an accessible manner during classes and presentations.

•Designed and led experiments to evaluate the performance of controlled-release chlorine dioxide products. •Developed and implemented a study to assess antimicrobial efficacy in treated airflow systems by measuring bacterial reduction. •Conducted a second field study to test the product’s effectiveness in extending the shelf life of imported fruit: coordinated with international partners in Guatemala to treat cantaloupes during container shipment and later assessed post-transport microbial contamination at a U.S. port. •Analyzed and interpreted experimental data to support product validation and commercialization efforts.

Science Classes: Dermaceutics, Product Development Formulations, Regulatory Affairs, Design of experiments, Adv. ChEn Thermodynamics, Adv. ChEn Transport Phenomena, Pharmaceutics Unit Operations, Microbiology, and Fundamentals Personal Care Science. Business Classes: Intellectual Property, Marketing, Finance, and Communication & Leadership.

Relevant Classes: Mass and Energy Balances, Bimolecular Engineering, Fluid and heat transfer, Mass transfer and separation methods, Thermodynamics, Reaction Kinetics, Numerical Methods, Process Control, Process Design, and Unit Operations.

Relevant Classes: Intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Theory of Statistics, Economic Development, Money and Banking, and Financial Economics.