Alexa Narel is an Innovation Connect Manager for UK Innovate providing dedicated research and innovation economic development partnership support for the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment (M-G CAFE).  In this role, Alexa aims to enhance corporate engagements with M-G CAFE faculty and staff in order to achieve greater impacts with research outcomes.

Previously, Alexa worked in the Quality Department for Wild Turkey Distillery, a subsidiary of Campari Group.  In this role she focused on overall site quality in all aspects ranging from raw materials and ingredients to finished goods.  This role also involved supporting relationships with other industry partners, executing a company service event, and managing all consumer complaints.  She was able to increase and streamline testing procedures for incoming products for more efficient and effective outcomes.  Prior to Wild Turkey, Alexa had moved to California to work for E&J Gallo Winery in their Research Winery.  That position allowed Alexa to experience being a part of the industry side of industry-university partnerships for research projects and observed how those partnerships functioned from formation to project completion.  Alexa holds a bachelor’s degree in food science from The University of Kentucky and an MBA from Western Governors University.

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