ZÄNDRA X. CHISOLM-EL
*** *. ***** ****** *****: 773-***-****
Chicago, IL 60827 Email: **********@*****.***
RESEARCH, CONSUMER PRODUCTS & P ROCESS IMPROVEMENT CHEMIST
Research & Development Consumer Product Commercialization Product Development Continuous Improvement
Versatile and adaptable chemist with strong expertise and training in polymer / material chemistry, possessing multi-faceted
professional background in research, product development and process improvement. Well-practiced in and acquainted with
consumer brands, municipal operations and laboratory settings. Possess extensive experience in formulating and
commercializing products, instilling and promoting quality control standards and methodologies. Appreciate consumer desires
and marketplace demands. Knowledgeable of trial runs, new product scale-up and troubleshooting processes. Exemplary project
leader, collaborating seamlessly with cross-functional teams, committed to end-user satisfaction in pursuit of organizational
goals, poised for team lead and managerial roles.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Polymers Coatings Formula Development
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Organic chemistry Materials Science Quality Control / Assurance
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Performance Improvement Adhesives Project Management
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Product Development Strategic Planning/Analysis Material Specifications
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Additives Product Batch Formulation
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Adjustments
P ROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SIEMENS – PETNET SOLUTIONS, DES PLAINES, IL 2013 – PRESENT
N UCLEAR PRODUCTION CHEMIST
Produce and oversee quality assurance / quality control of drug substance florbetapir F18 (characterized by radiochemical
identity, radiochemical purity, specific activity, strength, radionuclidic identity and radionuclidic purity). Address and resolve
complex analytical issues, including calibration, qualification, maintenance, troubleshooting, validation and development of
analytical procedures and equipment. Prepare, update and maintain reports according to scientific deductions. Identify and
report out-of-specification batches, tests and equipment.
§ Interpret master manufacturing formula documents, performing end-to-end process development with production
teams.
§ Adhere to and enforce cGLP, cGMP and OSHA, FDA, radiation safety and IEMA guidelines and audits, ensuring work
safety and observance of best practices.
§ Train laboratory staff in analytical and equipment techniques, specifically HPLC, GC, pH endotoxin analysis, sodium
ascorbate analysis and TLC.
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS, INC. / CLEAN HARBORS, EAST C HICAGO, IN 2011 – 2013
WASTEWATER CHEMIST (2012 -2013)
Examined samples from streams, raw and treated wastewater, sludge and other byproducts of wastewater treatment process,
establishing efficiency of plant processes. Completed research and submitted findings to foster alignment of plant effluent with
water pollution control regulations.
§ Conducted tests for settleable solids, suspended solids, total solids, volatile solids, volatile acids, alkalinity, pH,
dissolved oxygen demand, turbidity, fluoride, phenol, ammonia, chlorine and other substances utilizing standard
laboratory equipment.
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§ Introduced and implemented adjustments to laboratory procedures and equipment, increasing operational efficiency.
SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (2010-2013)
Completed sample preparation and analysis of various materials, including used oil and unknown samples for identification.
Entered data into lab information system database, reviewing and finalizing all logs and records related to analysis for
traceability.
§ Demonstrated proficiency in VOC, XRF for total chlorine and Noack volatility analytical methods.
TECHDRIVE, INC., CHICAGO, IL 2009 – 2010
R ESEARCH CHEMIST
Executed organic synthesis and organic synthesis route development of novel di-lithium(s)/tri-lithium(s) ion salt for potential
recyclable rechargeable battery technology. Calibrated and maintained laboratory chemicals, supplies and equipment, including
glove box. Oriented and coached new laboratory technicians. Conducted polymer formulation, in addition to manipulation and
testing for solid recyclable battery technology.
§ Exhibited knowledge and application of GC-MS, IR, NMR, glove box, cyclic voltmetery, transference number, charge-
discharge cycle and ionic conductivity analytical methods.
§ Developed carrier for lithium salts.
MCINTYRE GROUP, UNIVERSITY PARK, IL 2008
A NALYTICAL CHEMIST
Analyzed and tested incoming and outgoing raw materials, assessing processes and procedures simultaneously.
§ Testing Included: Kinematic viscosity, Brookfield viscosity, pH, %solids, titrations, Karl Fisher, specific gravity, TAN,
HPLC, IR, GC, and various performance testing.
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICAGO, IL 2006 – 2008
A SSISTANT RESEARCHER
Concentrated on antibacterial cicadapeptins, seeking new drug effective against drug-resistant strains. Prepared western portion
of proposed product, teaming with colleagues preparing eastern and southern portions. Calibrated and maintained laboratory
chemicals, supplies and equipment, including glove box. Oriented and coached new laboratory technicians.
TURTLE WAX, INC., BEDFORD PARK, IL 2001 – 2006
SENIOR QUALITY CONTROL CHEMIST (2005-2006)
Directed daily laboratory activities, observing and assigning duties to technicians. Sustained appropriate inventories and
requisitions of necessary supplies and equipment, leading quality assurance training, safety and product retention programs.
Conducted chemical, biological and physical tests in analysis of water based products,, raw materials, process materials and
finished goods. Served as on-call analyst, assisting on-duty laboratory technicians with batch adjustments, product
noncompliance and production issues.
§ Enacted kinematic viscosity, Brookfield viscosity, pH, %solids, titrations, Karl Fisher, specific gravity, TAN, HPLC,
IR, GC and various performance testing.
§ Formulation on batch adjustments on oils, dyes, and detergents, facilitating continous product developmentof Marvel
Mystery Oil, Ice Liquid Polish and Color Magic Liquid Polish TurtleWax, Inc. product lines.
§ include iso certification monitored compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices standards.
PRODUCT QUALITY SUPPORT ANALYST (2003-2006)
Collaborated with Research & Development (R&D), Marketing and Consumer Affairs departments, assessing appropriate
strategies for products and product labeling system in correspondence with consumer demands. Informed and updated R&D of
trends, insights and intelligence influencing recommended modifications and studies.
§ Established inter-departmental forum between Sales, Marketing and R&D teams to study concerns and demands
dynamic product marketplace.
§ Increased departmental productivity and heightened processing of consumer claims by 20%, implementing new
computerized processes.
QUALITY CONTROL L ABORATORY T ECHNICIAN (2001-2003)
Verified product conformance to manufacturer requirements, analyzing raw materials, bulk formulations, finished products,
stability samples and other samples requiring chemical analysis. Calibrated laboratory equipment and maintained testing assets.
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EDUCATION & TRAINING
Master of Science, Chemistry (Polymer / Material Chemistry), Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Served as General Chemistry Teaching Assistant, 2009-2011, acting as science tutor,
setting up labs and teaching general chemistry lab concepts, techniques and calculations
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry (Minor in Biochemistry), Chicago State University, Chicago, IL
AFFILIATIONS
Member, Minority Biomedical Research Support / Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (MBRS/RISE), America
Water Works Association (AAWA) and American Chemical Society (ACS)