Speaker Lineup Announced for MWSCC Technical Symposium

Posted: September 27, 2011

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Specks and Flecks, Lumps and Bumps–Identifying What Shouldn’t Be There
Kathleen Martin, research scientist/spectroscopist for McCrone Associates
Martin has worked as a spectroscopist for more than 25 years, using infrared and Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of a wide range of materials. For the last seven years, she has been part of McCrone Associates, using microspectroscopy techniques for clients in the pharmaceutical, consumer products and electronics industries and also art conservation. Much of her work is centered on the identification of contaminants. Before joining McCrone, Kathleen spent 15 years at Unilever (Helene Curtis) as a spectroscopist in the analytical group, working with colleagues to support product development and claims, conduct ex vivo and in vivo performance testing, address consumer complaints and assist manufacturing facilities in trouble-shooting. She obtained her doctorate in physical chemistry from Loyola University of Chicago in 1985.

The Invention and Development of Skin Care Devices for Home Use
Robb Akridge, PhD, co-founder and VP of clinical affairs for Pacific Bioscience Laboratories
Robb Akridge, PhD, is co-founder and VP of clinical research at Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, makers of Clarisonic (from the lead inventor of Sonicare). His mission is to develop technologically advanced and clinically proven products that make a clear difference in skin care, health and beauty. Akridge received his doctorate in immunology from Texas A&M University and has spent over 25 years in medical and global health research, including lead scientist and clinical trial management positions at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, ICOS Corporation, and Sonicare. Akridge is an adjunct research member of the American Academy of Dermatology and was recently awarded a National Institutes of Health grant for diabetic wound research.

Choosing the Right Fragrance for your Personal Care Product
Jill Costa, PhD, chief perfumer, Bell Flavors & Fragrances
Jill Costa is the chief perfumer at Bell Flavors and Fragrances, which she joined in 2006. She obtained her doctorate in chemistry from Ohio State University. She began her work in personal care at Procter and Gamble in laundry products. She then transferred to the fragrance division, where she worked for the next five years in both household fragrance development and upstream fragrance technologies, domestically and internationally. Costa then moved to Dragoco (now Symrise), Charabot (now part of Robertet) and IFF (Netherlands).

Cosmetic Chemistry 2.0—Using the Internet to Improve the Formulation & Product Development Process
Perry Romanowski, VP of product development for Brains Publishing
Perry Romanowski has spent the last 18 years researching and developing products to solve consumer problems in the personal care industry. His primary focus has been on hair and hair-related products. He is currently vice president of Brains Publishing, which specializes in science education. In 2010, Romanowski founded the Complete Cosmetic Chemist online training program, and through a new partnership with Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine, will expand the program to provide cosmetic chemists continuing education across a broader range of formula categories. Previously, Romanowski worked for Alberto Culver, serving as a senior project leader for hair care innovation. He has been an active member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), most recently as Area II National Director. In addition, he has served in various positions within the MWSCC, including chapter chair. Romanowski received a master’s of science degree in biochemistry. He has written and edited numerous articles and books, taught the SCC’s Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry continuing education class and developed various websites.

Interpreting the FDA’s Final Rule for Sunscreen Formulation
Farah Ahmed, chair of the Personal Care Product Council’s Sunscreen Task Force
For the last four years, Ahmed has worked in a number of key areas and advocated on behalf of the beauty industry. She currently leads the council’s Sunscreen Task Force, the Organic/Natural Committee and manages a number of FDA and FTC issues including product labeling and advertising. She is also convenor of the Organization of International Standardization’s (ISO) Cosmetic Marketing and Packaging Group. Ahmed holds a bachelor of science (physiology and biochemistry) from Niagara University, is a graduate of the University Of Virginia School of Law and is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia. One additional speaker to be announced.