Smithers has added three new team members to its analytical services laboratory in Akron, Ohio.

Jim Via, Principal Scientist

Jim is the latest addition to the analytical services laboratory, having joined the team in June 2019. Jim is responsible for preparing and conducting extractables and leachables and other studies, interpreting results, and assembling reports. He will work closely with clients to ensure complete understanding of their specific goals and maintain compliance with their requirements. When he’s not in the lab, Jim likes fishing and traveling the United States. He and his wife have two sons.

“I really enjoy playing detective: using separations and mass spectrometry techniques to identify components released by plastics, adhesives, coatings, and other sources. It’s fascinating.”

Stephanie Rains, Associate Scientist

Stephanie joined the team in January 2019. She works to ensure every client study goes according to plan and is involved in sample preparation, standard preparation, and extractions. Additionally, she is the lead scientist for the lab’s inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrumentation. Outside of work, Stephanie is an avid concert-goer, cook, and hiker with her husband and their dog, Huck.

“I’m always learning something new here. It’s never the same thing every day in this lab.”

Amanda Cool, Quality Assurance Specialist

Amanda has been working for Smithers since 2016 and joined the analytical services lab in May 2019. She is responsible for daily operations and administration of the lab’s quality management system, including compliance with FDA 21 CFR 820, 201, and 211 and ISO 17025. She also works closely with clients to ensure satisfaction with data and compliance. At home, Amanda and her husband are busy with two young daughters. She likes going to football games and hiking, which gives her a chance to exercise her tree, plant, and animal identification skills.

“This is a brand-new position for me, so it’s very exciting to be learning something different. And the people I work with, both my colleagues and our clients, are fantastic.”