Rita.Chen

Rui ( Rita) Chen graduates from Michigan State University with master degree of packaging science, currently working as Process Designer at Amazon, Seattle WA. During the school years, She has been working with Dr. Laura Bix 's HUB (Healthcare, Universal Design, Biomechanics) team which concentrates on the quantification of the interface between people and packaging.

After that, Rita works as packaging engineer or packaging designer in several food companies such as Godiva, Mead Johnson Nutrition and Hershey Chocolate. She likes creative works which are customer-based and innovation-driven.

Also, Rita has passion on Photography, Crafting and 3D design. She runs an independent art magazine BLINK with her friends from 2014. With related knowledge and skills accumulated, her faith in challenging herself remains persistent.

Contact Rita via:

E-mail: rita.alfalfa@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ruichen614

 if you already know Rita as a packaging person, please check her design and photography work to know her other capability.

She is interested in:

  • UI Design / Crafting/ 3D modeling
  • Primary packaging component qualification / validation
  • Smart/Multi-Functional Packaging Development
  • Merchandising / Retailing Packaging Structure Design

Her Working Experience:

Process Designer. Seattle, Washington                                                                              April 2017- Present

Packaging Engineer at Hershey Chocolate. Hershey, Pennsylvania                            Aug 2015-April 2017

【1 】 Lead in Everyday/Seasonal assortments category, providing the packaging development from dimension, structure to assembly perspective.

Ÿ【2】Ÿ  Conducted sample trials or line qualifications on a mass production scale for both U.S and Canada Plants.

【3】 Interfaced with retailers (Club/Dollar stores) on seasonal customized packages, shelf impression improvements, cost-saving opportunities and packaging sustainability ideations.

【4】 Assisted in Supported Merchandising group for Retail Evaluation Analysis & Design (READ). Quarter Mod’s and variety pack mod were designed and tested for Club Clients.

Global R&D Packaging Intern at Mead Johnson Nutrition. Evansville, Indiana         Jun2014-July 2015

Ÿ【1 】Performed ASTM, TAPPI and ISTA test methods on multiple types of packaging such as metal cans, aseptic bottles, tubs, snap-on lids and stick packs, etc

Ÿ【2】Ÿ  Assisted in line trials on a mass production scale and documented IQ, OQ &PQ protocols, SOPs and reports of manufacture acceptance test..

【3】Interfaced with vendors on IML evaluation, two-shot molding system, single-dosing closures innovation, and provided potential solution on those technical concerns.

【4】Conducted the appropriate analysis and quantitative measurement of powder’s cake strength, creatively developed a modeling scale to determine optimum solutions.  

【5】Compiled a sustainability list and multiple data analysis through COMPASS to access human and environmental impacts of the new aseptic liquid system.

Packaging Engineer Intern at Godiva Chocolatier. Reading, Pennsylvania Area   Jan2014-Jun 2014

【1 】Ÿ  Assessed temperature protection requirements for dipped chocolate strawberries and worked cross-functionally to manage the relationship with cold chain suppliers and inventory of materials at the distribution centers.

【2】Ÿ  Conducted various ISTA environmental simulation tests to qualify that the package would withstand shipping and environmental hazards

【3】Supported in cost saving and business continue projects. For example, redesign the platform and tray feet for new seasonal collections that can be implemented on existing thermoforming tooling

【4】Determined existing level of quality with current product in order to establish a benchmark for comparison between both Brussels facility and the co-manufacturers in U.S. For example, packaging qualification of 24 case’s chocolate bars under 4 wrapping temperature was reported including peel strength, peel integrity, rub testing, visual inspection and odor testing.

Teaching Assistant at Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI                       Jan2013-Dec2013

Ÿ 【1 】Accomplished 500 hours teaching for totally 120 students from PKG315 (Packaging Decision System) and PKG 410 (Distribution Packaging Dynamic) courses

【2】Authored the comprehensive computer software (Auto CAD, Tops and illustrator) self-learning material which also served as a guide to new TA on common computer programs and procedures within PKG315

【3】Ÿ Mastered Lansmont’s packaging dynamic equipment and distribution standards including ASTM D642, D996, D999, D1596, D3332, D4169, D4332, D4728 and D5276 etc.

Her Awards

Certification of Packaging Professional  (CPP)  (2016)

Certification of Packaging Professional In Training (CPIT) (2015)

Menasha Corporation Scholarship in Michigan State University (2013)

Graduate Scholarship of Packaging Science in Michigan State University (2013)

Kodak Special Scholarship in Wuhan University(2010)

United Paper Mills Special Scholarship in Wuhan University (2009)

Third Prize in the Fourth National Astros Packaging and Art Design Competition (2009)  

                                               

Her Activities

Student Committee of the healthcare packaging immersion experience(2013)

Webmaster of Packaging Graduate Association (PGA) (2013)

Committee Representative in MSU Council of Graduate Students (COGS)  (2013)

Student Delegate of CMU Summit on US-CHINA Innovation and Entrepreneurship (2012)

International Corrugated Packaging Foundation’s 12th Teleconference  (2012)

Fall workshop on Critical Research in the Food and Packaging Industry (2011)