Today we’d like to introduce you to Vedas Burkeen.
Hi Vedas, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was first drawn to science as a high school student in Cleveland, OH. My 10th grade biology teacher recognized my potential and supported my ability by placing me in an advanced biology course. This ignited my interests when I graduated from high school to pursue a higher degree in science. In 2001, I graduated from Alabama A&M University with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry.
Upon graduation, I had not secured a job. On a whim, I walked into the Food Science department at AAMU one day and spoke to department head. Upon conclusion of that conversation, I was accepted into the graduate program. That single conversation was a pivotal point in the course of my life.
In the midst of graduate school, I had to move for personal reasons to the Atlanta area. I was then accepted into the University of Georgia’s (UGA’s) Food Science department. During my matriculation thru the master’s program, I was nominated to be a “National Teaching Fellow” which allowed me to move into the Doctoral Program.
It was during my tenure as a doctoral student when I discovered my desire to become a professor/trainer. My teaching experience began in 2003 as a National Science Foundation teaching in the “Science Behind our Food” program. I was involved in designing food science curriculums, scientific experiments and instructing a variety of students from high school to the collegiate level. During my time as a graduate student, I completed my doctoral research at the USDA in Athens, GA as a research Microbiologist.
Upon receiving my doctorate in Food Microbiology in 2008, I immediately began teaching at multiple universities in the Atlanta area. During this time, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives were really in the blooming stage. There was a need for scientists who could break down the information to people outside of the science community. So in 2010, I started my first business, Excel Science Education Consulting LLC, as I recognized the need for technical expertise to assist organizations in developing scientifically sound programs.
My academic experience includes 15 years in leadership positions. As Academic Dean of Sciences, I facilitated microbiology, chemistry, and anatomy courses as well as served as Laboratory Manager while supervising multiple science professors. I have taught microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physical science, environmental science, math, brewing courses, and food science labs.
Throughout my teaching career, I have received multiple awards such as the Promotion from Master’s program to Doctorate (UGA Food Science Department), University of Georgia Diversity Award, National Science Foundation Teaching Fellowship, Faculty Excellence Award Recipient (Westwood College), and the Faculty Service Award (Herzing University).
Throughout the years of my business, Excel Science, I served as Senior Food and Safety Manager. I had provided services for numerous clients from new entrepreneurs and international small businesses to major corporations. In 2022, I left my career as an Academic Dean of Sciences to fully focus on food safety consulting. We are currently supporting major beverage corporations as food safety consultants and trainers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been smooth by any means. I was raised by my grandparents and had a lot of challenges starting out in life. I also battled with some health issues as I was pursuing my graduate studies so that took a lot of prayer and perseverance. I had outstanding support from my God-Family, family, and close friends.
Along my journey, I lost some loved ones. I have experienced family challenges with siblings and family mental health issues. I started my business in 2010. As with most new businesses, it takes time to grow, and things don’t always move along as fast as you would like. Although, academia is a rewarding career, the compensation is not as great as corporate America. So, I had to stay on course and focused on growing my business. I connected with mentors and looked for people who would help to open opportunities for my business and believed in my vision and myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Excel Science Consulting LLC?
We are a group of minority Ph.D. scientists in industry and science professors supporting manufacturing food safety and occupational safety. We also support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math initiatives (STEAM) as science experts and educators.
I am the Senior Manager for Food Safety, with a PhD in Food Microbiology. I have HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and Juice HACCP certificates. I am also a Lead Instructor for “Preventive Control Qualified Individual (PCQI)” which allows professionals in the food industry to receive training with certificates at the end of training from FSPCA.
Our Associate Consultant, Dr. Ceceile Flood, received her doctorate in Pharmacology/Toxicology and is a Lead Faculty in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Graduate Studies and is a certified Associate Safety Professional (ASP). She is our Occupational Safety expert.
Our services:
-Microbial Risk Assessment
– Hygienic Zoning
– Food Safety Plan Development
– Food Safety System Review
– Record Review & Development
– Standard OperatingProcedures
– Environmental Monitoring
– Program Development
– Occupational Safety Enhancement
– Safety Training
– Mock FDA Audits
We are known for our great communication skills and our ability to break down difficult science concepts. We believe in providing creative solutions for our clients.
We are also known for technical capacities serving as SME (Subject Matter Experts) and technical writing. We are very familiar with FDA and OSHA laws and regulations. Our academic instruction experience gives us the ability to train learners with different learning styles and a variety of levels with excellence. We also create training content and curriculum to enhance understanding and productivity.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love to sing and dance. In high school I was a drum major for the band and choir president (Warrensville Heights High in Ohio). During my undergrad career at Alabama A&M University, I was a Maroonette in the band (a dancer) and sang in the University Choirs. I also have a great sense of humor, I love to laugh and find the positive aspect in every situation. I am a very creative person which is why I love to help organizations create solutions and train others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.excelscience.net
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vedas-burkeen-ph-d-00252b19/
