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Ayako Toma has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of food science and research. Ayako started their career as a Tomato Peelability Technician and Research Assistant at UC Davis in 2002. Ayako then worked as a Food Technologist in R&D at Mastertaste from 2004 to 2005. In 2006, they joined Cal Poly Pomona as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Human Nutrition and Food Science. From 2008 to 2016, they worked at Ready Pac Foods, Inc. in various roles, including Product Development Specialist, Sr. Food Technologist, and R&D Manager for Complete Meals. Currently, Ayako holds the position of Director of R&D at JSL Foods, Inc. since June 2016, and they have recently been promoted to the role of VP of R&D in June 2022.

Ayako Toma's education history begins in 1999 when they enrolled at the University of California, Davis. Ayako pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Food Science and Technology and also obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Japanese Language and Literature. Ayako completed both degrees in 2004.

After completing their undergraduate studies, Ayako Toma furthered their education at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. Ayako pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Human Nutrition and Food Science from 2006 to 2008.

In addition to their formal education, Ayako Toma has obtained several certifications. Ayako earned the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) certifications for Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) in June 2022 and Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) in October 2020. Ayako also completed a Food Allergen Control certification from Quality Food Safety in March 2020.

Furthermore, Ayako Toma has received additional training in Food Safety Microbiology through a short course offered by Food HACCP in August 2019. Ayako also completed a Seafood HACCP certification from Méieux NutriSciences - North America in February 2016.