An expert in new product development, managing projects from concept to commercialization, plant scale up and the product development process. As someone who has partnered cross functionally with procurement, operations, third party developers and external manufacturers, she’s well equipped to lend technical support to client products. Prior to joining Vertosa, Lauren worked for both a start-up and a multinational consumer product goods company. She performed analytical chemistry for six years then as a Senior Scientist began launching new food products at Mondelez International primarily focused on chewing gum. As Senior Manager of Research and Development at ALOHA she launched plant-based protein bars, powders and aseptic ready to drink beverages. Born in a small town in the finger lakes region of New York State (where there's more cows than people), Lauren attended the nearby school, Rochester Institute of Technology, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. For the last 15 years she’s lived in New Jersey where she mastered the New York City commute as well as an additional degree, a Master of Business and Science with a concentration in Food Science.