Management Team

 
Florence Wu, PhD, President

Dr. Wu has over 20 years of academic and work experience with various groups of fungi. She earned a doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee, specializing in systematic mycology. Dr. Wu’s experience includes microbiology, plant pathogens, and fungal systematic and biodiversity. Dr. Wu was a principal investigator in a National Science Foundation research project on fungal biodiversity. Dr. Wu currently provides laboratory analysis and mycological consultations to industrial hygienists and environmental consultants in the field of environmental microbiology. She has published numerous scientific papers and has given lectures and presentations on subjects related to indoor environmental fungi. She currently holds the positions of Board Member, Adjunct Professor, and Research Associate at various institutions. In addition, Dr. Wu is an active member of several professional organizations.

Steven Huang, PhD, Technical Director

Dr. Huang has a doctorate in plant pathology. He has over 20 years of academic and research experience in various areas of mycology, including plant pathogens, soil fungi, and fungal ecology and biodiversity. He was an associate professor at the Institute of Microbiology. Dr. Huang has been a visiting scholar at the International Mycological Institute (UK) and Duke University. He was a research associate at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Huang has published many papers on mycology and plant pathology. He specializes in microbial recovery, identification, and PCR and DNA sequencing techniques.

Jerry Oliveras, Laboratory Director

Mr. Oliveras has over 20 years of professional experience. He has worked in several environmental, food, and agricultural testing laboratories, and has experience in the fields of food and water microbiology, analytical chemistry, laboratory management, regulatory compliance, and chemical research. He is a recognized expert in food chemistry, microbiology, and technology with wide experience in troubleshooting industry problems. He has given numerous technical and media presentations and is qualified as an expert witness for litigation. Jerry has worked for the California Department of Food and Agriculture Center for Analytical Chemistry, and the Milk and Dairy Foods Safety Branch. He was formerly the Laboratory Director and President of a respected commercial food laboratory in San Francisco. Jerry earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Chemistry from The University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA) and completed postgraduate course work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry at UOP as well. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including AOAC International, American Chemical Society, Institute of Food Technologists, American Association of Cereal Chemists, American Oil Chemists Society, and AXE (the professional chemistry fraternity). Jerry also has attended many workshops and short courses through AOAC International and the University of California Extension, among others, to enhance his knowledge and abilities.

Melissa Hughes, MS, Food Microbiologist & Training Director
 
Mrs. Hughes earned a Master of Science degree in Food Science from Texas Tech University, with an emphasis in food safety and microbiology. Responsibilties include designing and performing special contract research projects in the area of applied food microbiology, and organizing and leading professional development courses and training sessions. She has given numerous technical presentations, published several conference abstracts, and has experience in food safety consumer outreach. Ms. Hughes is also an active member of many organizations, including the International Association for Food Protection, Institute of Food Technologists, American Society for Microbiology, American Meat Science Association, and the Society for Applied Microbiology. Melissa also has a ServSafe food safety manager certification from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
 
Sharon Spencer, Customer Service Manager

Mrs. Spencer joined Aemtek in 2004. She holds an Associate in Arts degree in liberal arts studies and has many years of experience in customer service, faculty support, and clerical services. Sharon is responsible for sample receiving, data reporting, and client communications. Sharon handles customer service issues and responds to inquires about project status. It is usually Sharon’s friendly voice you will hear when you call us.