Our Experts
At SGS PSI we believe the clearest path to a superior technical solution is passion and an open mind backed by good science.
We’ve assembled an accomplished group of scientific thinkers and equipped them with a diverse array of state-of-the-art technology. With a combination of passion, skill and technology, our team tackles a variety of testing requirements on a daily basis; from routine procedures to testing and analysis involving advanced or custom-designed methods.
Our team is highly degreed; from our Lab Technicians – many of whom have Master’s Degrees, to our Lab Managers and Project Managers who have earned Ph.Ds. However, degrees only tell part of the story; the other piece is the experience of our team and their proven track record of success within their respective areas of expertise. This offers a major differentiator when it comes to ensuring the innovative, reliable, and quality testing that our clients require.
Kyle Copeland
General Manager / Senior Scientist
Kyle received his B.S. in Polymer Science from the University of Southern Mississippi before gaining over 25 years of experience in multiple sectors of the plastics industry. Before joining SGS PSI in 2010, Kyle held positions in project management, production management, polymer synthesis & processing, sales and marketing, and R&D. Utilizing his educational background and extensive experience he generates efficient testing plans that truly address each client’s unique needs..
Jennifer Brooks, Ph.D
Director of Project Management & Senior Scientist
Jennifer started at SGS PSI in 2002 after receiving her B.S., M Eng, and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech. Jennifer is a driving force in the development of SGS PSI. Her ability to pull together disparate pieces of data and information to create novel testing programs and solutions makes chemistry seem more like art than science. Jennifer excels at collaboration both with our staff and our clients..
Beth Caba, Ph.D.
Senior Project Manager & Senior Scientist
Beth received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech. Prior to joining the SGS PSI team in 2007 Beth worked for DuPont, where she developed a detailed understanding of project management, process management, quality, safety, and industry requirements. Beth consistently creates novel test protocols that meet strict quality and safety requirements, yet remain relevant to industry demands and the bottom line.
Alan Sentman, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist, Lab Manager, & Applied Chemistry & Spectroscopy Expert
Alan joined SGS PSI after receiving his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California Riverside, and his Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry from the University of California Berkeley. Alan continues to up the ante in the development of our spectroscopy and applied chemistry labs, develops new in house capabilities, and teaches our team something new every day. The Applied Chemistry and Spectroscopy Lab is fortunate to have him as a Lab Manager, and SGS PSI is fortunate to have him as an expert.
Jason Todd, M.Sc.
Principal Scientist
been with SGS PSI since 1999 and his attention to detail is second to none. His contributions and knowledge base have been instrumental in SGS PSI’s growth. Jason has developed an expertise in deformulations, additives analysis, mass spectrometry, and method development.
Jeremy Beach, Ph.D.
Technical Sales Engineer
Jeremy joined SGS PSI after receiving his B.S. in Chemistry from John Carroll University and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech. With hands on experience in injection molding, single screw extrusion, twin screw extrusion, and technical textiles, he brings an R&D scientist’s resourcefulness and expertise to our technical sales team. Jeremy greatly enjoys the direct interactions with clients and developing customized testing to meet their needs.
Owen Hand, Ph.D.
Quality Assurance Manager
Owen received his B.S in Chemistry from Monmouth University and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue university. Owen has been with SGS since 2021 with over 30 years experience, including 10 years as an analytical chemist specializing in mass spectrometry and chromatography and 20 years in Quality Assurance in industries including Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Specialty Chemicals. He is instrumental in ensuring our compliance with GMP regulations and ISO requirements.
Grace Jones
Chromatography Lab Manager
Grace joined SGS PSI in 2016, after receiving her B.S. in Chemistry specializing in forensics from Radford University. Grace’s pursuit of knowledge has led to her understanding of all aspects of gas chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. Grace’s mastery of time management makes her a natural leader and her ability to prioritize the functions of the lab, help streamline projects to completion.
Rachel Chapman
Lab Manager, Thermal/Physical/Microscopy
Rachel started at the Christiansburg site after receiving her B.S.in chemistry from Radford University. Rachel has developed expertise employing DSC, TGA, Rheology, DMA, SEM-EDS, XRF, MTS, and MFR methods. Her knowledge of plastic failure analysis techniques is invaluable in helping clients solve complex and costly problems.