Ashley Kent

For the past five years, I worked at Soft Flow, a European R&D subsidiary of Foss, a Denmark-based leader in analytical testing solutions for the food and agriculture industry. In this dynamic environment, I took on diverse roles that honed my technical and operational expertise. I started in the Supply Chain department, managing the stock warehouse and laboratory procurement, and later transitioned to the Assay Development team as a Lab Coordinator and Technician.

Prior to this, I accumulated over a decade of experience as a Veterinary Technician, working in veterinary medical clinics and hospital settings. This unique combination of veterinary medical knowledge and robust laboratory and supply chain skills positions me as a versatile professional, well-suited for a wide range of roles.

As Biotechnology R&D Coordinator at Soft Flow, I had a dual role: ensuring seamless lab operations for the entire department and contributing as part of a research team developing and optimizing innovative food safety analytical products. My responsibilities included preparing solutions and buffers, conducting daily experiments involving mycotoxins, analyzing and presenting results to both internal teams and Danish stakeholders, and overseeing lab maintenance. I also managed the sourcing and purchasing of equipment and reagents, instrument calibration, inventory management, and hazardous waste disposal, ensuring a clean, efficient, and compliant laboratory environment.

Before relocating to Europe, I spent over ten years in the veterinary field across the Bay Area and Southern California. I advanced from a doctor’s assistant to roles such as lead vet tech and assistant manager. My expertise spans diagnostic procedures, veterinary and medical terminology, client education, and maintaining meticulous records, all while fostering collaboration with veterinarians and teams.

Working in a multinational company further refined my communication and interpersonal skills, allowing me to navigate diverse challenges effectively. My goal now is to bring this rich blend of experience—spanning laboratory research, operational management, and veterinary medicine—back to the U.S., contributing to innovative projects while continuing to grow and learn.

As Biotechnology R&D Coordinator at Soft Flow, I had a dual role: ensuring seamless lab operations for the entire department and contributing as part of a research team developing and optimizing innovative food safety analytical products. My responsibilities included preparing solutions and buffers, conducting daily experiments involving mycotoxins, analyzing and presenting results to both internal teams and Danish stakeholders, and overseeing lab maintenance. I also managed the sourcing and purchasing of equipment and reagents, instrument calibration, inventory management, and hazardous waste disposal, ensuring a clean, efficient, and compliant laboratory environment.

Before relocating to Europe, I spent over ten years in the veterinary field across the Bay Area and Southern California. I advanced from a doctor’s assistant to roles such as lead vet tech and assistant manager. My expertise spans diagnostic procedures, veterinary and medical terminology, client education, and maintaining meticulous records, all while fostering collaboration with veterinarians and teams.

Louisiana State University