Rhaisa A. Crespo

Rhaisa A. Crespo, Ph.D. is currently working as a Research Scientist - Dairy Microbiology at Food Safety Net Services, where they work directly with clients to design research studies and provides on-site support and consultation services. Prior to this, they worked as a Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where they conducted research under the guidance of advisors Andr\u00e9ia Bianchini, Ph.D., and Jayne Stratton, Ph.D. Rhaisa A. also gained experience as a Microbiology Laboratory Technician at Nebraska Food Processing Center, where they performed microbiological analysis and trained personnel in microbiological analysis and documentation requirements. Furthermore, they worked as a M.S. Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, conducting research on Debaryomyces hansenii killer toxin and its effect on pathogenic bloodstream Candida isolates. Prior to their graduate studies, they gained research experience as an Undergraduate Student Researcher at both the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Additionally, they have sales and customer service experience from their time at AutoZone.

Rhaisa A. Crespo, Ph.D. has a strong education background in the field of Food Science and Technology. Rhaisa A. obtained their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez in 2013. Rhaisa A. then pursued further education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where they earned their Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Food Science and Technology in 2016. Rhaisa A. Crespo continued their academic journey at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Food Science and Technology in 2021.

In addition to their academic degrees, Rhaisa A. Crespo also holds several professional certifications. Rhaisa A. obtained the certification in Implementing FSSC 22000 from Food Safety Net Services in August 2022. In 2019, they completed the FSPCA Preventive Controls for Animal Food certification from the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA). In 2018, they obtained the certification in FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food from the same institution. Rhaisa A. Crespo also completed the Better Process Control School certification from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Food Processing Center in October 2014. Furthermore, they acquired the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification from the International HACCP Alliance, a division of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in July 2014. Lastly, in October 2011, they obtained the Food Safety First Principles for Food Handlers certification from the Faculty of Food Science and Technology at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.