Sylvia Schonauer, P.E. is a principal in SSK Consulting, LLC following retirement from the Kellogg Company as Principal Engineer, Advanced Innovation. Dr. Schonauer’s career in the food industry spans over 25 years, previously working in Research and Development for Nestle, Frito-Lay, and KFC organizations. She is coauthor on 35 patent applications or grants worldwide. To date, she has been awarded 6 U.S. patents, several of which were filed worldwide and granted in various jurisdictions. In addition to her patent activity, her academic publications and presentations number approximately 20. In 2015, ASABE, (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) conferred to her the status of Fellow for her dedication to STEM advancement through ASABE and SWE (Society of Women Engineers) and her many contributions to the engineering profession through the development of unique equipment and processes that positively impacted the company’s ability to have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.