Deborah Croom
Williston
Summary
Dedicated food safety professional, bringing depth of experience in ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards. Known for collaborative approach to problem-solving and achieving results, adapting to evolving industry needs. Expertise in conducting risk assessments and implementing preventive measures.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Milk Safety Officer Dairy and Manufactured Food Program
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Columbia, SC
04.2018 - Current
- Conducted surveillance sampling for dairy farms and processing plants
- Evaluated milk plants and dairy farms for state rating compliance
- Conducted routine and broken-seal testing on pasteurization equipment
- Performed routine, follow-up, and complaint sampling of dairy farms and processing plants
- Maintained chain of custody and accurate sample records and reports to support regulatory oversight
- Assisted in administrative tasks for dairy sampling and inspection program to facilitate effective program management
- Developed and implemented food safety protocols to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Conducted regular audits of food handling processes to identify and mitigate risks.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance overall food safety culture within the organization.
- Analyzed inspection reports and identified areas for operational improvement in food safety procedures.
- Conducted risk assessments for potential hazards, enabling proactive measures to be taken in maintaining high standards of food safety.
- Perform contract inspections for the FDA
Research Associate Laboratory of Dr. Sergei Kirov
Augusta University
Augusta, GA
08.2005 - 02.2018
- Collect and process human tissue from operating room
- Responsible for performing PCR and western blots
- Trained in 2-photon microscopy
- Prepare small animal surgery for 2-photon microscopy including craniotomies and tail vein injections.
- Managed inventory and procurement of lab supplies ensuring uninterrupted research operations
- Perform in vitro slice preparation using vibrotome
- Perform many immuno-fluorescence experiments
- Train students in 2-photon microscopy and slice preparation
- Trained in extracellular electrophysiology
- Compiled research data from various experiments to support analysis.
- Assist in writing publications and grant submissions
- Provided administrative support to Principal Investigator and lab activities, facilitating research progress
- Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Research Assistant Laboratory of Dr. Richard Cameron
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, GA
02.2003 - 09.2004
- Maintained lab and supplies.
- Perform western blots and run agarose gels
- Perform many immuno-fluorescence experiments
- Slice tissue specimens for staining using cryostat
- Maintained cells in culture.
Lab Technician Laboratory of Dr. James Yates
University of South Carolina-Aiken
Aiken, SC
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Train new students in molecular biology techniques
- Extensive work in PCR and cloning
- Responsible for growing and collecting bacterial colonies
Education
B.S. - Bachelor's of Science Degree
University of South Carolina-Aiken
Aiken, SC01-2002
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South Aiken High School
Aiken, SC01-1998
Skills
- Aseptic sampling techniques
- Critical control point review
- Personal hygiene standards
- Allergen control
- Food defense strategies
- Product recall procedures
- Food labeling regulations
- Environmental monitoring
- GMP compliance
- PCQI certified
Certification
- PCQI certified
- HTST and Vat pasteurization operator
- FDA certified state rating officer and state surveillance officer
- Better Process Control School
- FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food
- Preventive Controls for Human Food Regulators Course
Timeline
Milk Safety Officer Dairy and Manufactured Food Program
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
04.2018 - Current
Research Associate Laboratory of Dr. Sergei Kirov
Augusta University
08.2005 - 02.2018
Research Assistant Laboratory of Dr. Richard Cameron
Medical College of Georgia
02.2003 - 09.2004
Lab Technician Laboratory of Dr. James Yates
University of South Carolina-Aiken
01.2002 - 01.2003
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South Aiken High School
B.S. - Bachelor's of Science Degree
University of South Carolina-Aiken