<< Return to News

Under the Microscope, MDG’s QC Microbiologist: Katie Pernic

Quality Control Microbiologists

Under the Microscope is one of our Quality Control Microbiologist, Katie Pernic. Being the first designated QC microbiologist at MDG, Katie has played a pivotal role in the development of our QA/QC processes.

1. What drew you to Microbial Discovery Group?

When I joined MDG in 2012 it was a very small group of about 10 people, but I could tell right away that MDG was aiming for higher goals. There was (and still is!) a lot of opportunity for growth, and I thought my prior experience in QC would help the company to grow as well.

2. What does your typical day look like?

My mornings are spent reading and reporting results from the previous day’s plates, performing short tests such as enzyme assays, writing reports, or setting up materials for testing later in the day. The main chunk of our work is done in the afternoon once all QC samples have arrived; this might consist of things like plating the samples for count, performing DNA extractions, PCR, or running gels.

3. What are you working on right now?

I am currently helping to train a new employee, writing a report on some proof-of-concept testing from last week, comparing yields for freeze-dried vs. spray-dried cultures, and testing our most recent tank runs for purity.

4. What is the most inspiring part of your job?

It’s very satisfying seeing a product go out the door after having checked it through all the steps of production; I get to see the culmination of a lot of hard work.

5. What is your favorite aspect about working at MDG?

I love being able to see a direct, positive effect from the work that I do every day; that was definitely something missing from my previous job.

6. What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?

You can usually find me at home playing video games, tabletop board games/RPGs, writing, or watching sci-fi movies with one of my many pets snuggled in my lap. If I’m not there, I’m probably outside gardening with my wife, Chris, or walking my dog, Darwin.

7. Professional goal for the next 5 years?

I want to continue building my confidence and leadership skills so that when I feel strongly about my results I am able to present my conclusions in a strong, decisive way.

8. Let’s talk about QC and what you think makes MDG’s process so successful…

I think it all comes down to the team of incredible people that have gathered in QC over the years! Processes only improve when people take the time to think about them and work out ways to improve them. I am lucky to work with a group of people who share a desire to do just that. Every person in my department is very meticulous and hardworking, with a determination to get things done the right way, and figure out what happened when things don’t go as expected.

Search Insights
Recently Posted Insights

The Importance of Maintaining Synthetic Grass

The rising demand for artificial grass and turf has led to thousands of installations across America, with over a thousand more being added annually.² Schools, municipalities, and businesses are increasingly adopting artificial grass and turf as a sustainable...

The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Septic System

According to a study by the EPA 53% of home septic systems were found to be ill-maintained. Ill-maintained septic systems that start with minor issues can turn into septic system failures, resulting in backups and odors, leaving your customers with quite the mess to...

Making a Difference: Volunteering to Improve Our Community

We believe that everyone can make a difference, but only through action. MDG recognizes the need for sustainable solutions to the world’s largest problems: Lack of accessible food Limited access to clean water, and Poor sanitation and disease These issues compel us...

Global Leader in Bacillus Fermentation Exhibits at RAFT®15

Oak Creek, WI (October 17, 2023) - Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) is exhibiting at Recent Advances in Fermentation Technology (RAFT®) 15th conference on October 29-November 1, 2023. The Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB) organized the...

Bacillus Manufacturing and R&D Company Exhibits at Aquatech Amsterdam

Microbial Discovery Group Exhibits and Presents Bioaugmentation Success in Wastewater Oak Creek, WI (October 3, 2023) - Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) will exhibit at Aquatech Amsterdam 2023, the world’s leading trade exhibition for process, drinking, and wastewater,...

Trusted Process: MDG’s Gold Standard

MDG’s customer-centric approach to quality manufacturing and support ensures consistent, repeatable results for our customers. This is done through our trusted process; our gold standard at MDG. Can you be confident in our manufacturing process yielding consistent...

Bacillus-based Cleaning with Jennifer Cray

This is MDG The: Podcast with experts in the field of microbiology, teaching us about the world we live in and how Bacillus is shaping it. We put this summary together taken from the transcript, for more details and to hear straight from Jenny, head to the podcast!...

50+ Strains: Why We Supply

  Part of what is driving Microbial Discovery Group’s (MDG) current expansion is our desire to produce 50+ strains. Why do we want to be a Bacillus company that produces 50+ strains? Essentially, to offer the best service and products for our customers. Below are...

What is bioaugmentation?

At MDG, we continue to discover all the possibilities to treat wastewater with Bacillus. Through years of research and development, we’ve found that bioaugmentation is the answer for wastewater treatment. Bioaugmentation is the process of adding scientifically...

Related News