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Our Team
 Diane Young, Director of Technical Services | Founder
Diane’s life long love of science, agriculture and livestock combined with her extensive experience in the food industry serve as the building block upon which Foundation Analytical Laboratory was created. As a former client and user of a variety of analytical laboratory services, she was often frustrated with the lack of customer service provided. Fueled by her desire to provide exceptional customer service, she created a new kind of client-focused laboratory where customers have a relationship with the laboratory. They experience the benefits of a high-quality professional analytical laboratory that cares about the success of their business.
Diane’s past experience includes:
- IBP, Inc. - Chemist and Plant Microbiologist
- ConAgra, Inc. - Plant Microbiologist & Chemist
- Harker’s Distribution, Inc. – Quality Assurance Coordinator; Purchasing and Marketing Manager
- American Natural Soy – Director of Quality Assurance
- Private quality control consulting
Diane is a native of the Cherokee, Iowa area and a graduate of Iowa State University with Bachelor of Science Degrees in Agricultural Microbiology and Animal Science and a minor in chemistry. She and her husband, Nate have a son and live on a farm near Cherokee.
 Valerie Cronin, Laboratory Manager
Valerie enjoys working with clients to resolve their issues and help develop strategies to prevent future issues. Her goal is to help lead the Foundational Analytical Laboratory team to deliver analytical solutions, not just results.
Valerie’s past work experience includes:
- VeraSun – QA/QC Lab Manager
- US BioEnergy – QA/QC Lab Manager
- Trans Ova Genetics – Lab Technician
- Cargill – Production Supervisor
As laboratory manager she is responsible for:
- Management and implementation of laboratory standard operating procedures
- Ensuring proper chemical, biological and microbiological analysis of submitted samples
- Participating in the evaluation and review of testing results
- Participating in client communication
- Maintenance of laboratory certifications
Valerie is a native of the Cherokee, Iowa area and a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
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