Kristen Granger

Kristen Granger has a diverse work experience spanning various industries. Kristen is currently working as the Director of Food Safety and Quality at 88 Acres. Prior to that, they served as the Quality Assurance Manager at Brady Enterprises, where they were responsible for quality and food safety programs. Kristen achieved high scores in BRC audits and executed the start-up of new projects for major companies.

Kristen also worked at the Wysocki Family of Companies as the Food Safety Manager, ensuring regulatory and food safety compliance. Kristen completed audits to maintain USDA organic handler certification and served as a food safety and compliance consultant. Additionally, they revised and standardized Food Safety SOPs, policies, and training programs across multiple facilities. In their role as Agronomy Lab Manager, they established an environmental chemistry lab and managed lab technicians.

Before that, Kristen worked as an Adjunct Biology Lecturer at Lehigh Carbon Community College and as an Adjunct Biology Instructor at King's College. Kristen taught various biology courses and provided instruction on technical skills and laboratory techniques. Additionally, they served as an Earth Team Volunteer at the USDA-NRCS, assisting farmers with environmental regulations.

Prior to these roles, Kristen worked as a Post-Doctoral Scholar at the Maize Genetics Lab, Penn State University, where they conducted research on flavonoid biosynthesis in maize mutants. Kristen also worked as a Ph.D. Candidate/Graduate Research Assistant at Penn State University, where they conducted experiments on the effects of elevated CO2, drought, and microbial attack on plant chemistry and growth. In addition, they served as a Biology Teaching Assistant, Ecology Program Service Assistant, and President of the Ecology Graduate Student Organization at Penn State University.

Kristen began their career as a Summer Research Intern at Wellesley College, where they conducted research on chloroplast movement. Kristen also served as an Academic Peer Tutor Advisor, counseling students and providing tutoring and workshops on study skills.

In summary, Kristen Granger has extensive experience in food safety and quality assurance, regulatory compliance, laboratory management, teaching, and research. Kristen has a strong background in biology and has developed expertise in various aspects of the field through their career.

Kristen Granger's education history includes earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Ecology from Penn State University, which they completed between 2006 and 2012. Prior to that, they obtained a B.A. degree in Biological Sciences from Wellesley College, attending from 2002 to 2006.

In terms of additional certifications, Kristen Granger has obtained several certifications related to food safety and project management. Kristen received a Certificate in Applied Project Management from Villanova University, completing the program in 2018. Kristen also holds certifications such as SQF Internal Auditor and SQF Practitioner from Registrar Corp, obtained in June 2022. Additionally, they obtained certifications like BRCGS Internal Auditor from NSF International in November 2021, and certifications like FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food, PSA Grower Training, and HACCP from various institutions in March 2018.