Technical Support

Dr. Laurence Lee, Chief Technology Officer

Dr. Lee has a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from Laval University in Quebec, as well as a MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.

The first author of two U.S. patents in the field of micro-encapsulation, Dr. Lee brings significant experience in particle processing. As the former Director of Research and Development at Primera Foods, Dr. Lee was responsible for technology development, leading new product and process projects, as well as technical sales and marketing.

Dr. Lee’s hands-on expertise has resulted in several innovations in fluid bed particle agglomeration, crystallization processes, dispersion systems and unique micro-encapsulation methods.

Dr. Lee has many years experience as both a Food Research Scientist and teaching Food Science at the university level. He is a member of the American Association of Cereal Chemists, Particle Society of Minnesota, Institute of Food Technologists and Institute of Professional Packaging.

Dr. Jerome Licari, Formulation and Product Development

Dr. Jerome Licari is a visionary with nearly 40 years of experience in the food technology and clinical nutrition fields.

Dr. Licari started his career at Beech Nut, Inc., where his impact on the baby food industry included revolutionizing packaging, eliminating unneeded salt and sugar from baby foods, and developing a staged feeding plan.

At Novartis (Sandoz Nutrition), where he served as Director of Product & Clinical Development, Dr. Licari led the development of alternative packaging options for RTS liquids, methods to extend hang time for tube-fed medical foods, and the use of specific nutrients to improve patient immune response.  In addition, Dr. Licari spearheaded efforts to document health benefits of disease-specific nutritional therapies in clinical studies.

As founder and president of Onesta Nutrition, Dr. Licari developed and patented the FiberChoice chewable fiber tablet. This unique delivery system was a breakthrough in the fiber supplement market.

With a PhD in Food Science & Technology from Cornell University, Dr. Licari has been the driving force behind numerous industry innovations. His continuing work includes using natural and nutritional compounds to develop immune system, cardiovascular, insulin and sugar uptake, and weight management products in new delivery forms.

Dr. Willie Hendrickson, Particle Processing

With a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Dr. Willie Hendrickson is a current holder of 26 issued patents and 10 applied-for patents.

Beginning his private sector career with 3M, Dr. Hendrickson developed and led teams which developed businesses in particle processing, catalyst development and surface modification during his 16 year tenure.

Dr. Hendrickson purchased 3M’s particle processing center in 1994, and has grown his company, Aveka, Inc., from an initial pilot plant to include three manufacturing and R&D facilities specializing in particle processing, classifying, spray drying and prilling of industrial and food products.

Dr. Hendrickson is past Adjunct Professor of the University of Minnesota and Michigan Tech. He has been or is a current member of the International Fine Particle Research Institute, the University of Florida Particle Science and Technology Center and the New Jersey Institute of Technology Particle Science Center.