Deep passion for nature, environmental conservation, and sustainable living Enthusiast of hiking and outdoor activities, with a special appreciation for national parks and protected areas Strong personal commitment to promoting environmental awareness and contributing to initiatives that safeguard biodiversity and natural resources
Yajaira Salazar Chacón
Heredia
Summary
Licentiate in Industrial Chemistry and master’s in environmental management and studies, both from the National University of Costa Rica, with more than 20 years of experience in analytical laboratories for food and water. Currently Head of the Food Safety Department at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (LANASEVE) of SENASA. Extensive participation in international technical cooperation projects, mainly with the IAEA, focused on strengthening analytical capabilities for the detection of residues, pesticides, contaminants, and additives in food of animal origin. Solid expertise in the INTE/ISO-IEC 17025:2017 standard, with proven experience in internal audits and international evaluations. Additional strengths include the implementation of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and the management of public procurement processes for laboratory goods and services.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Head
SENASA
01.2022 - Current
- Coordinated units for residues of medicines and pesticides, contaminants and additives, as well as Food Microbiology, analyzing samples of food of animal origin for human consumption. Coordinated directly with other SENASA departments to comply with monitoring plans for veterinary drug residues, contaminants, pesticides, additives, and pathogens.
Head
Food Safety Department, LANASEVE, SENASA
01.2010 - 01.2022
- Managed analyses of heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, tin), marine toxins, allergens, prohibited substances, and additives in food of aquatic origin. Experienced in method validation, ensuring result validity, international regulations, and applicability of ISO 17025 in its various versions.
Chemical Analyst, In Charge and Head
Food Safety Department, SENASA
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Analyzed residues of chloramphenicol and pesticides in food of animal origin for human consumption. Ensured compliance with technical requirements: validation of results, calibrations, internal controls, purchases. Managed analyses of residues of medicines, pesticides, hormones, and metals in food of terrestrial origin.
Chemical Analyst (Laboratory assistance)
Environmental Analysis Laboratory and Laboratory of Analysis and Chemical Services, National University
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Conducted physicochemical analyses of water for human consumption and treated water. Analyzed quality and safety parameters in food.
Education
Master's degree - Environmental Management
National University of Costa Rica
01.2011
Licenciate Degree - Industrial Chemistry
National University of Costa Rica
01.2008
Skills
- Administration: Efficient management of public funds and projects, ensuring the achievement of established objectives and activities Effective organization and planning to structure work, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines efficiently
- Problem Solving: Ability to identify and resolve problems and conflicts effectively, in coordination with senior management and staff
- Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in coordinating at various levels to achieve established objectives
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication, both verbal and written Active listening and empathy to understand perspectives and resolve situations effectively Negotiation skills and finding common ground to resolve disagreements
- Continuous Improvement Mindset: Attitude oriented towards continuous improvement, learning from mistakes, and seeking ways to optimize processes
- Personal Characteristics: Proactivity, responsibility, attention to detail, dedication, patience, objectivity, integrity, and resilience
Interests
Timeline
Head
SENASA
01.2022 - Current
Head
Food Safety Department, LANASEVE, SENASA
01.2010 - 01.2022
Chemical Analyst, In Charge and Head
Food Safety Department, SENASA
01.2009 - 01.2010
Chemical Analyst (Laboratory assistance)
Environmental Analysis Laboratory and Laboratory of Analysis and Chemical Services, National University
01.2003 - 01.2009
Licenciate Degree - Industrial Chemistry
National University of Costa Rica
Master's degree - Environmental Management
National University of Costa Rica
Awards
Recognition from the IAEA to LANASEVE and Costa Rica at the International Symposium on Food Safety and Control (2024), Recognition from the College of Chemists of Costa Rica to Yajaira Salazar Chacón for leadership in improving food safety through technological innovation and international projects (2024)
Publications
- "Management of Disused Fluorescents in Costa Rica" (2011)
- "Evaluation of Mercury Levels in Fishery Products in Costa Rica, 2003-2013" (2016)
- "Validation of a Technique for Determining Paralytic Toxins in Bivalve Mollusks in Costa Rica" (2018)
- "Beginning of the Implementation of the Database of the Data Sharing Committee (DSC) of the Latin American and Caribbean Analytical Network (RALACA)" (2024)
Training
- Project Design Workshops with IAEA
- Participation in regional IAEA workshops on project design and technical cooperation, focused on strengthening capacities and applying best practices (2016, 2018).
- Participation in regional project coordination meetings with the IAEA (from 2019 to 2024).
- Language Training
- Conversational English courses at UNA, INA, and Open English (continuous training).
- Technical Training in Analytical Techniques
- Training in international laboratories, both official and reference, in laboratory testing techniques related to food safety.
- Practical training in chromatography (HPLC, GC).
- Mass spectrometry (MSMS), high-resolution spectrometry (HR-TOF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Charm II detection system and specific enzymatic biosensors.
- Quality Standards and Method Validation
- Advanced training in ISO 17025, ISO 17034, and ISO 17043 standards for testing laboratories.
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in analytical method validation, uncertainty estimation, and ensuring the validity of results in chemical testing methods.
- Food Safety and Laboratory Practices
- Participation in congresses, seminars, and training on food safety.
- Training in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and biosafety.
- Environmental and Waste Management
- Training in reagent and chemical waste management, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management.
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