Dr. Nicole Shriner is a seasoned expert in chemical engineering, brewing, distilling, and winemaking with a deep commitment to advancing the industry. With a BS and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University (2014, 2018), and a Master Brewer Diploma from the prestigious Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago and Doemen's Academy in Munich (2019), Nicole brings a unique combination of technical expertise and hands-on experience.

Nicole’s distilling career began in 2013 as an assistant distiller at Red Cedar Spirits, where she gained firsthand experience in craft distilling. Since then, she has worked alongside breweries, distilleries, and wineries to optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and foster innovation.

Currently, Nicole serves as a Teaching Specialist for the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University. In her role, she teaches courses in the Fermented Beverage Minor, covering topics such as brewing, distilling, and winemaking. As the manager of the Fermented Beverage Lab, Nicole leads industry-focused research that spans everything from raw materials to the final fermented product.

Her research is at the forefront of the industry, with current projects exploring corn and rye varietals for distillation, as well as Michigan hop growing and cultivation to enhance brewing practices. Nicole’s passion for advancing fermentation science extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her role as “Master Distiller” on Discovery’s Moonshiners: Master Distiller.

Nicole’s diverse background and practical experience make her uniquely positioned to assist clients in navigating the complex world of fermented beverage production, whether it's optimizing processes, exploring new ingredients, or innovating within the industry.