Schrader holds a Ph.D. in Meat Science from Iowa State University and has extensive practical knowledge in the production and thermal processing of processed meat products. In her previous position, she was responsible for a variety of technical roles in which included conducting equipment demonstrations and providing guidance to business partners, sales, product development, and engineering as it related to product and process improvement, as well as project goals related to specific customer requirements/applications. She has been a featured speaker at a number of meat industry-related conferences, University courses, and workshops, including the American Association of Meat Processors Convention, American Meat Science Association Reciprocal Meat Conference, Petfood Forum, University of Wisconsin-Madison’s meat processing workshops, and Iowa State University’s short courses.

Based out of Mundelein, IL, Poly-clip System USA is a subsidiary of Poly-clip System GmbH & Co. KG, and is the world leader of clip closure system solutions. Poly-clip offers automatic and manual clip machines, packaging machines and automation products, clips, loops, labels, and peripheral equipment for packaging sausage, cured meat products, dairy products, soups, baked products and sweets, animal feeds, and poultry items, as well as sealants and explosives.

With converting facilities based out of Mundelein, IL, Walsroder is a global manufacturer of top-quality, state-of- the-art fibrous and plastic casings, for a variety of products including: sausage and processed meat products, soup, processed cheese, pet food, sealing compounds, adhesives and explosives. In addition to the converting facility in Mundelein, the company operates production facilities at its corporate headquarters in Bomlitz (Germany) and Legnica (Poland).