BRIAN THOMAS STANEK

Current Address Permanent Address
507 T Sunridge Drive 5 Hollyhock Way
Blacksburg, VA 24060 Newton, NJ 07860
 [Send email to request phone number] 22-0764 

 
OBJECTIVE 

To gain a full-time position in the food industry in the field of flavor
chemistry, food packaging, sensory science, and/or food microbiology

EDUCATION 

B.S., Food Science & Technology, May 2006, Cum Laude
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg VA
Cumulative GPA: 3.44; In Major: 3.94; In Minor (Chemistry): 3.67

Graduate School, Food Science & Technology, 2006-2008 
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg VA
Cumulative GPA: 3.52, 51 credits earned towards Ph.D.

Career Related Courses
 Environmental Chemistry 
 Flavor Chemistry 
 Food Analysis 
 Food Chemistry
 Food Quality Assurance 
 Food Packaging 
 Food Product Development 
 Grant Writing & Ethics 
 Oxidation at the Interface of Chemistry and Biology & Lab
 Polymeric Biomaterials 
 Polymer Organic Chemistry & Lab
 Sensory Science Principles 
 Skin Properties, Functions, & Bioengineering Applications 
 Statistics in Research

 
Use of Animals in Research Certificate, 2008 
Human Subjects Training Certificate, 2007
HACCP Certification (FDA Seafood), 2006
 
Computer Skills 
Windows & Mac Operating Systems & Software (Microsoft Works); JMP & SAS
Statistical Software; SIMS Sensory Software

AWARDS 

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Food Science, 2006
Outstanding Graduating Senior in College of Agriculture, Nominee, 2006
Dean  's List, Fall 2003 to Spring 2006
Cyrus H. McCormick Scholarship, College of Agriculture, 2004-2006
Virginia Dare Award, (Top Performance in National Contest), 2004-2005
Virginia Dairy Tech. Ass. Dairy Products Evaluation Award, 2004-2005
Carolina-Virginia Dairy Association Academic Achievement Award, 2004

WORK EXPERIENCE 

Quality Assurance Manager/Microbiologist, Butterfields LLC, April/May 2009
o Oversaw GMP  's, HACCP food safety plan, organic/Kosher certification for
organic butter and margarine co-packer in West Patterson, NJ.
o Performed statistical process control, allergen testing, microbiological
testing for coliforms, aerobic microorganisms, yeast, and molds in product and
swabbing for listeria in processing facility. 

Ph.D. Student, Food Science & Technology, Fall 2006 to Fall 2008
o Performed research in the characterization and suppression of metallic flavors
through edible antioxidant and metal chelating polymer films
o Research responsibilities include: processing and characterizing polymer films
(TGA, DSC, DMA, SEC, Instron); forming and training sensory panels; quantifying
lipid oxidative by products (TBARS, peroxide values) and antioxidant capacity
(ORAC)

TA, Meat Science, Fall 2008
o Aided in teaching, grading, slaughter, & fabrication of cow, pig, & lamb
throughout the semester

TA, Macromolecular Interface Chemistry & Biology Lab, Spring 2008
o Designed & instructed lab sessions involving sensory evaluation & oxidation
chemistry using TBARS & peroxide value assays quantifying oxidation products in
food & beverages matrices

TA, Dairy Products Sensory Evaluation, Fall 2007
o Instructed students on the sensory evaluation of milk, yogurt, cottage cheese,
cheddar cheese, vanilla ice cream, & butter
o Coached team at the 86th Annual Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest
in Las Vegas, NV

TA, Wines & Vines, Spring 2007
o Aided in course instruction & grading as well as six 150 student sensory food
& wine tasting sessions

Cornell Food Science Summer Scholar Program, Ithaca, NY, 2005
o Food packaging & microbiology research involved surface modification of
polymeric elastomer to inhibit biofilm formation in food processing plants
o Oral presentation & written abstract submitted based on research

TA, Governor  's School for Agriculture, Virginia Tech, Summer 2004
o Mentored high school juniors & seniors interested in Agricultural related
fields
o Aided students in the completion of group research projects and presentation
at the end of the program

PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & ACTIVITIES 

Co-Author, Taste & Odor Abnormalities in Cancer Patients, The Journal of
Supportive Oncology (Volume 7, Number 2, March/April 2009)
Society Free Radical Biology & Medicine, Student Member, 2008-2009
American Chemical Society, Student Member, 2008
Dean  's Forum on Nutrition and Health, Poster Presentation, Fall 2007
Reformed University Fellowship, 2006-2009
Virginia Tech Women  's Soccer Manager, 2003-2005
Food-Science Club President, 2004-2005, and Member, 2004-2008
CALS Student Leadership Council, 2004-2005
Dairy Products Evaluation Team, (National Contest, Lakeland, FL), 2004
IFT, Student Member, 2004-2008
Virginia Tech Food Science College Bowl Member, 2006
Virginia Tech Food Product Development Team Member, 2006