Chemistry Staff
The Chemistry Staff at the Idaho Food Quality Assurance Laboratory may be small in size, but we more than make up for our size with experience. We are able to bring together approximately 112 years of scientific knowledge and work experience to ensure the highest quality data for our clients. Our diverse backgrounds include agricultural management, field studies and consulting; research and development in petroleum; medical laboratory; occupational health and industrial hygiene; explosives and military unique analysis; chemical and biological engineering; instrument repair and electronics; and of course, pesticide residue analysis.
Michael A. Becerra, Chemistry Laboratory Manager
(208) 732-5326 Ext. 01 mbecerra@agri.idaho.gov
Education: B.S. (Chemistry & Biology), State University of New York at Fredonia, 1982. M.S. (Analytical Chemistry/Water Resources), Oregon State University, 1987.
Experience: Has worked for 28 years in developing methodologies for pesticide residue analysis. Projects have included Superfund sample analysis, pesticide degradation studies, quality assurance/quality control, formulation development, remediation efficacy studies, technical support, and product registration. Clients have included the states of Oregon, Idaho, and New York, the USEPA, and private corporations. Served as Manager of the Idaho Food Quality Assurance Laboratory since June, 2000.
In two months time, managed the reconfiguration of the infrastructure of IFQAL to develop the Potato Cyst Nematode Laboratory for the ISDA and USDA. This included development and construction of extraction and waste treatment facilities as well as sample tracking and data handling protocols. In the first year alone, we analyzed over 36,000 samples for PCN.
With the IFQAL has fostered a strong team spirit, progressive and educational work environment. Over eight years there has been no staff turnover. Developed and graduated thirty five students from the Laboratory Assistant Internship, many of whom have returned for summer work. All of these graduates went directly into the work force or on to advanced education.
Ryan Royce Yee, Principal Chemist
(208)732-5326 Ext. 02 ryee@agri.idaho.gov
Education: B.S., Biochemistry, University of California at Davis. M.S., Biochemistry, University of Southern California.
Experience: Managed a small biochemical research laboratory for studying physiological functions for the departments of anesthesia, chemical engineering, and medicine at Stanford University. While at Stanford, did independent research in bioengineering and mathematical modeling of physiological phenomena with chemical engineering faculty. Contract Manager - Biochemist for the California Energy Commission and the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture working on energy projects related to the production, conservation, and conversion of agricultural feedstock to energy. Worked with a technical team to develop and promote alcohol blended fuels. At Hewlett-Packard, I gained three years of experience in electronic production, repair, and research. Started in 1998 as a Chemist and became a Principal Chemist at the Idaho Food Quality Assurance Laboratory.
George C. Kinslow II, Senior Chemist
(208) 732-5326 Ext. 03 gkinslow@agri.idaho.gov
Education: Honor graduate, Academy of Health Sciences, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School (Medical Laboratory Specialist), 1992. A.A.’s in Commercial Art and Photography (College of Southern Idaho), currently working on a B.A. in Business Management (Boise State University).
Experience: Assigned to the 16th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) for just over 3 years. Duties included blood banking and general medical lab procedures, also cross-trained as an EMT/combat medic. Assigned to the 520th Theater Army Medical Laboratory (TAML) for 2 ½ years performing tests on environmental samples for environmental and occupational health analysis using gas chromatography in cooperation with the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (CHPPM). Other duties included driving and operating a mobile laboratory in support of monitoring programs at various military installations. Worked at CHPPM as a civilian employee for about 1½ years analyzing for trace residues of explosives in environmental samples using high performance liquid chromatography. Currently working as a Senior Chemist for IFQAL since October 1999.
Jennifer Holtzen, Senior Chemist
(208) 732-5326 Ext. 04 jholtzen@agri.idaho.gov
Education: B.A. in Biology, minor in Chemistry, Carroll College, May 1999
Experience: Assisted potato, corn, mint, and beet farmers for 12 years part time. Worked for UI extension late blight program in Idaho for two summers. Served as a Senior Chemist at the Idaho Food Quality Assurance Laboratory since January, 2000.
Gordon Sheppard, Laboratory Materials Supervisor
(208) 732-5326 Ext. 05 gsheppard@agri.idaho.gov
Education: Laboratory Assistant at IFQAL, May 2001, A.A.S in Water Resource Management, minor in Chemistry, College of Southern Idaho, May 2002
Experience: Over 40 years of agriculture related experience including: owner/operator of a eucalyptus greenhouse for 5 years, foreman of a horticultural business for 3 years agriculture, irrigation/engineering consultant for 2 years, CSI chemistry lab technician for 3 years, and work at the IFQAL since 2001.