Tejas Gunjikar
Application Development and Innovation Leader
Elizabeth (Liz) Tocce, PhD, lives for problem-solving and creating new things. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, her work at IFF Pharma Solutions provides plenty of opportunities for Liz to flex her creative muscles when working with customers on solutions to their formulation challenges. In fact, it was Liz’s deep connection with customers and understanding of their needs that helped her advocate for groundbreaking innovations like Avicel® PH LN, IFF’s low nitrite microcrystalline cellulose.
“One of our customers was interested in low-nitrite excipients as part of their nitrosamine mitigation strategy,” shared Liz. “I was a strong supporter for IFF to develop low-nitrite excipients because I could see there was a market need and it was an opportunity for IFF to take a leadership position.”
Employed by IFF and its predecessors Dow and Dupont for a total of 13 years now, Liz is also one of our foremost experts on POLYOX™ polyethylene oxide. She is frequently tapped to deliver webinars or scientific papers on this unique water-soluble, free-flowing and highly swellable polymer. You can learn more about the properties and applications of POLYOX™ by attending Liz’s new webinar on November 19, 2024 called, “POLYOX™ Polyethylene Oxide Essentials: An Expert Guide to Polymer Properties and Drug Formulation.”
Outside of work, Liz’s creativity permeates her parenting too. “I get to create new things with my kids all the time! From drawing to cardboard houses to stick forts, we explore how to use the materials we have around the house to make something fun.” She also finds joy in gardening and home improvement. “My big project now is clearing an overgrown patch of land that I will ultimately turn into a space for a fire pit, raised garden beds and a rain garden,” said Liz. We hope she keeps those creative juices flowing to help advance IFF Pharma Solutions’ innovations for years to come!
Tejas Gunjikar
Application Development and Innovation Leader
Joshua Katz
Senior R&D Manager
Nasrin Mahmoudi
Senior Lead Applications Scientist
Roland Adden
Vice President R&D