Alex Brandt, PhD

Chief Science Officer

Dr. Alex Brandt is the Chief Science Officer for Microbiology for Certified Group and has been with the company for the past 12 years. In his role, Dr. Brandt is responsible for all microbiology technical services and contract research operations for the company.

His primary duties include assisting Certified Group laboratories with technical matters and validations for microbiological methods, helping laboratory customers with troubleshooting microbiological results, and providing on-site assistance for customers that are experiencing processing issues or sanitation challenges, including Listeria contamination issues.

In addition, he is in charge of all three sites that perform contract research services including shelf-life studies, challenge studies, process validation studies, and method validation studies. Dr. Brandt is a member of several industry organizations, serves on several industry technical panels, and has a passion for working with customers to solve their microbiological issues. 

Jay Alappat, PhD

Chief Science Officer - Chemistry

Dr. Jay F. Alappat is an innovative analytical chemist with more than 20 years of experience in method development, validation, and implementation for food quality, safety, and sustainability. He serves as the Chief Science Officer – Chemistry at Certified Group, leading scientific strategy, technical innovation, and business growth initiatives across North America.

Dr. Alappat is internationally recognized for developing and validating advanced methods for allergen, contaminant, and nutritional analysis, including the implementation of next-generation technologies such as PCR and HPLC-MS. He has played a pivotal role in expanding laboratory capabilities, optimizing facilities, and ensuring compliance with FDA, USDA, and international regulatory standards. 

Dr. Alappat holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, with postdoctoral specialization in natural products and molecular biology. He is an accomplished author of peer-reviewed research and industry guidelines and is passionate about elevating the standards of food safety, quality, and sustainability in a rapidly evolving global market. 

Justin Allen

Sr. Lab Analyst

Justin Allen is a Senior Analyst, Instrumentation at Certified Laboratories, where he develops, validates, and implements analytical methods for food and other consumer product matrices. His work includes routine and non-routine analysis using advanced techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, GC-FID, GC-TCD, and GC-MS. He also provides technical guidance to laboratory personnel and contributes to continuous improvements in analytical procedures, instrumentation, and quality practices.

Justin holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science and Technology, with a specialization in toxicology, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, specializing in chemical physics, from Stony Brook University. His background in chromatography, mass spectrometry, extraction techniques, and method development supports reliable analysis across a broad range of matrices.

Kevin Schmitt

Sr. Product Manager

Kevin Schmitt is a senior product leader specializing in clinical diagnostics, laboratory operations, and end-to-end product management. With expertise spanning molecular biology, immunology, diagnostic assays, laboratory instrumentation, and regulatory compliance, he has built and launched innovative products and services that connect customer needs with measurable business outcomes. At Certified Group, Kevin established the company’s first product management function and currently manages a portfolio of more than 3,500 safety-related testing services. He has led major initiatives including a 33-lab harmonization program across the U.S. and Canada, developed first-to-market chemical testing panels that generated more than $4 million in new annual revenue, and commercialized automated environmental monitoring solutions for high-throughput laboratories.

Kevin combines scientific depth with business and marketing expertise, holding an MBA in Marketing Analytics, an MS in Molecular Biology, and a BS in Business Administration, in addition to PhD doctoral study in Molecular Biology. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade conducting molecular biology and biochemical research focused on gene regulation, protein interactions, and biosynthesis, including research that identified a novel role for ceramides in germline development. Known for bridging technical, commercial, and executive perspectives, he brings a strategic approach to product innovation, voice-of-customer insights, market positioning, commercialization, and cross-functional leadership—translating complex scientific challenges into solutions that improve laboratory performance and create sustainable growth.