A Bit About Me
I’m a chemist with a passion for innovation, sustainability, and the power of science to drive meaningful change! My technical background is rooted in organic chemistry and molecular biology, with a Ph.D. focused on expanding the diversity of natural products for pharmaceutical applications. Through enzyme engineering and biosensor development, I explored new frontiers in biotechnology, gaining expertise in molecular design and biochemical pathways.
After earning my Ph.D., I joined BASF’s PhD Leadership Development Program, which gave me the opportunity to apply my scientific knowledge in a global industrial setting. Through assignments across different regions and disciplines, I combined my technical expertise with strategic communication and project management to drive sustainability initiatives in the chemical industry. From developing carbon-smart solutions for agriculture to leading biodegradation training and corporate sustainability strategy in personal care, I have experience coordinating projects at the intersection of science, business, and environmental responsibility.
Throughout my industry experience, I was lucky to travel the world. In documenting those journeys, I realized how much joy I found in capturing moments I could share with friends and family back home. What started as an interest quickly and organically grew into a passionate hobby. I love photographing life—people, places, and the special occasions that bring us together. If you're interested in working together, I’d be thrilled to help capture your story through my lens.
- Jessie
Industry Experience
January 2024 - February 2025
Durham, NC, USA
April 2023 - December 2023
Monheim, North Rhein-Westphalia, Germany
August 2022 - April 2023
San Diego, CA, USA
June 2021 - August 2021
Wyandotte, MI, USA
Sustainability Strategist
Working in the agricultural industry, I monetized sustainability efforts by identifying connected solutions for customers within our business and ideated on the 2-10 year marketing strategy. To this end, I advocated for sustainable farming solutions by: facilitating workshops with internal and external stakeholders, strategizing on new product innovations, identifying policy trends, developing sustainable agriculture messaging and communications, and substantiating sustainability claims of focus products. Additionally, I managed key signature events as the interim manager for the Center for Sustainable Agriculture to bring to life conversations on topics like carbon farming, bioethanol processing, climate change impact to agricultural farming, and digital services to collect carbon emission data.
Applied Sustainability Manager
I created sustainability workshops and training sessions, with a special focus on Biodegradation, for 400+ Personal Care stakeholders across NA and EMEA. The workshops defined the use cases of biodegradability labels and certifications, how it is measured, consumer considerations for each region, insight into the regulatory landscapes, internal testing capabilities, mock Q&A for sales/marketing colleagues, and a focus on the sub-business unit relevance and portfolio offerings. The workshops required strong communication with global stakeholders, alignment with regulatory and R&D teams, and a comprehensive market analysis on how the topic affects business in the different regions. I also co-developed and implemented a large-scale sustainability marketing event (Sustainable Beauty Days) for 600+ customers to highlight upcoming trends/innovations, new digital formulation services, and the importance of transparency in our supply chains.
Application Scientist/Enzymologist
I performed biochemical and enzymatic assays for analysis of enzyme candidates and collaborated with technical/business teams for streamlining a new product with BASF Enzymes and BASF Bioenergy. I developed a high-throughput assay for a protease enzyme target and independently led a functional screening campaign by cross-collaborating with teams and technology in automation, molecular biology, and enzymology.
Leadership Development Program Internship
I identified robust methodologies to extract and quantify microplastics from sediment to model a freshwater environment using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry, stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. I also developed an improved sample preparation protocol for quantitation and qualitative analysis of sediment microplastics by reducing the amount of unwanted crystallization on samples and the number of protocol steps, resulting in a publication with the Microplastics and Nanoplastics journal.
