Amanda Dainton

About Amanda Dainton

Innovative R&D leader with expertise in animal nutrition, product development, and process optimization. Skilled at guiding cross-functional teams, managing large-scale trials, and delivering cost-effective solutions that balance scientific rigor with consumer needs. Adept at translating research into commercialized products, engaging with veterinary and academic communities, and driving continuous improvement across ingredient evaluation, formulation, and manufacturing.

Experience

1. Senior Product Development Scientist

   Freshpet

   Mar 2025 — Present · Bethlehem, PA, US

   Evaluate novel ingredients to improve consumer experience with a cleaner label• Optimize cost for new product developments to improve accessibility to affordability-focused consumers• Manage the process of requesting and executing plant trials through a weekly cross-functional meeting, one-on-one employee training and support, and monthly reports• Engage with veterinarians in trade show booths and with industry professionals as a conference emcee• Prepare and deliver educational webinars to veterinary technicians• Tasked with and completed delivery of a new pet food product five months ahead of schedule, enabling an accelerated market launch and supporting business growth goals.

Education

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Master of Science - MS, Nutritional Sciences

  2016 — 2018

• Kansas State University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Grain Science and Industry

  2018 — 2021

• Kansas State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Feed Science and Management

  2012 — 2016

Skills

• Microsoft Office
• Research
• Animal Husbandry
• Data Analysis
• Teamwork
• Learning Quickly
• Teaching
• Time Management
• Quality Assurance
• Cross-Functional Collaborations
• Project Management
• Microsoft Word
• Social Media
• Networking
• Problem Solving
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Pets
• Public Relations
• Public Speaking
• Event Planning
• Leadership
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Higher Education