Karl J. Siebert Resume
Karl J. Siebert, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Food Science Dept.
Cornell University, NYSAES
Geneva, NY 14456
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CORNELL UNIVERSITY, NYSAES, Geneva, NY 1990 to present
Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Food Science (2015-present)
Professor of Biochemistry, Dept. of Food Science (1990-2015)
Carried out research on interactions of proteins with small molecules (especially related to haze, foam, flavor binding and functional properties), numerical microbiology (sampling theory, numerical taxonomy and inhibition modeling), sensory perception of physical (turbidity and astringency) and chemical sensations (flavor), and beverage science. Used multivariate analysis, chemometric and bioinformatic techniques for modeling (including quantitative structure-activity relationships), pattern recognition (including detection of adulteration) and data analysis. Taught chemometrics and brewing. International consultant in chemometrics, bioinformatics and beverage science & technology. Expert witness.
Chairman, Dept. of Food Science & Technology (1990-1995)
Chairman of a department of approximately 90 faculty, staff and graduate students. Additional responsibilities as Associate Director, Cornell Institute of Food Science.
THE STROH BREWERY COMPANY, Detroit, MI 1971-1989
A major beverage company with over $1 billion in sales.
Director of Research (1982-1989)
Directed a team of biochemists, analytical and organic chemists, microbiologists and chemical engineers working in the areas of beer, cooler, fruit juice and soft drink product and process research from raw materials through finished products. Member of technical management committee. Managed use of scientific consultants and grants. Responsible for corporate technical library.
Major accomplishments:
- Developed system for assigning project priorities and tracking project status.
- Designed and implemented in-house document retrieval system.
- Improved knowledge of product flavor chemistry.
- Developed model of beer foam stability.
- Improved microbiological stability of juice based drinks.
- Solved clarification problem which led to improved performance and cost savings in centrifugation and final filtration.
- Participated on team which developed award-winning Sundance sparkler (carbonated 70% juice) line.
- Concurrently served as Vice President of Strohtech (biotechnology subsidiary). Advised on production of heterologous proteins in yeast for pharmaceutical applications, particularly on fermentation and protein chemistry.
Manager, Research & Development Laboratory (1973-1982)
Managed scientists in beer product and process research. Carried out investigations in laboratory automation and method development. Employed pattern recognition and other multivariate analysis procedures for data analysis. Applied statistical designs for experiment planning, modeling of results and optimization. Used knowledge of electronics and computer programming to design, build and employ instrument-to-computer interfaces in the laboratory and plant. Responsible for selection and evaluation of on-line process monitoring instrumentation. Developed model which led to improved product flavor stability. Demonstrated oxygen ingress through bottle crown liners. Participated in development of Stroh Light and Signature. Directed study on effect of particles on fermentation which led to more uniform batches and a savings of $400,000 per year.
Head, Research & Development Section (1971-1973)
Supervised chemists working in the areas of beer product and process research. Carried out investigations in method development and flavor chemistry. Pioneered use of high performance liquid chromatography in the brewing industry.
Research Associate(1971)
Carried out investigations of basic beer properties.
U.S. ARMY, Ft. McClellan, AL, First Lieutenant, Chemical Corps, USAR 1970
Active duty for training; completed Chemical Officer Basic Course.
APPLIED SCIENCE LABS., State College, PA.1968-1970
Specialty chemical and chromatography supply firm.R&D and production of high purity lipids by isolation from natural products and chemical synthesis.
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EDUCATION
- B.S. Biochemistry with High Distinction, Pennsylvania State University, 1967.
- M.S. Biochemistry, Pennsylvania State University, 1968.
- Ph.D. Biochemistry, Pennsylvania State University, 1970.
ACHIEVEMENTS
National Science Foundation Fellow 1967-1970.
Master Brewers Association of the Americas Presidential Award 1986, 1990; Award of Merit 2011.
Honorary Professor, Moscow (Russia) State Academy of Food Production, 1996.
American Society of Brewing Chemists Eric Kneen Memorial Award (for best paper), 1998, 1999, 2004; Award of Distinction, 1999.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Chemical Society (Agricultural & Food Chemistry, Computers in Chemistry Divisions)
American Society of Brewing Chemists (Technical Committee (Member 1983-1989, Chairman, 1986-1988), Journal Editorial Board (1980-1992; 1996-))
Institute of Food Technologists (Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Sensory Evaluation, Fruit & Vegetable Products Divisions)
International Chemometrics Society, North American Chapter
Master Brewers Association of the Americas
LANGUAGES
Read French and German.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Participated in meetings, managed contract research projects, and visited universities, companies and research institutes in Africa, Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australia/New Zealand. Served as consultant for beverage companies and adsorbent suppliers and on use of chemometrics.
PROFESSIONAL
Member, Board of Directors, Cornell Research Foundation, 1990-1996.
Author or co-author of over 110 scientific papers, five book chapters and a U.S. patent.
Experienced reviewer and editor of manuscripts and theses.
Presented numerous seminars, short courses, scientific papers and invited lectures.
Course director for American Society of Brewing Chemists Short Course: On-Line Sensors in the Beverage Industry, 1993-95; Chemometrics, 2002, 2005; Haze and Colloidal Sabilization 2011.