Meet Carrie Maune, president, CEO, and co-founder, of Trilogy Analytical Laboratory, in Washington, Missouri. She and two other colleagues started Trilogy in 1999 with five people. Today, they analyze over 16,000 samples monthly and have three global locations. USWBSI utilizes Trilogy’s services for all of its DON Lab quality control sample testing. Maune was invited by the Food Safety & Toxicology Forum Organizing Committee Representatives to present on emerging trends in the area at the upcoming National FHB Forum in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Vocation in Mycotoxins

Maune grew up in Washington, Missouri (an hour west of St. Louis). She graduated with a bachelors in chemistry and biology from the University of Central Missouri. Throughout her academic career, she had great instructors that enhanced her love for science. Maune began her journey working with mycotoxins in the Romer Lab, in Union, Missouri. She then co-founded Trilogy in 1999 to meet the crucial demand for expeditious turnaround of mycotoxin results while still adhering to standard reference methods within the quality-driven analytical setting. Trilogy’s mission was to revolutionize the conventional methods of analytical mycotoxin testing. These methods were often burdened by long turnaround times, high sample costs, and a lack of communication with the clientele. The co-founders recognized the need for an alternative approach, and thus set out to build a sample managing process that placed their customers at the forefront. Quick and efficient sample processing is still at the core of the company’s mission today. Currently, Maune serves as the President & CEO. When asked what is her favorite thing about her position, Maune responds, “So many things! Every day is different – and each year brings new opportunities and challenges.” She enjoys communicating with clients. These days she really enjoys working with the future generation of leadership which will be taking over in the coming years.

The mycotoxin testing community is a niche community, and Tom Romer along with many of her other contacts have continued to be an inspiration to grow and learn more about this specific area of science, particularly the practical and analytical portion of mycotoxins. In the last 24 years, it has been “lots of fun, lots of learning and growing, and many great people along the way,” says Maune.

Move Over DON Because There Are Other Mycotoxins on the Block!

During her presentation at the 2023 National Fusarium Head Blight Forum in Cincinnati, Ohio on Tuesday, December 5 at 9:00 a.m. EST, Maune will discuss other mycotoxins in wheat and barley besides vomitoxin. While vomitoxin (DON) has been the main culprit when we think of mycotoxin contamination, the use of LCMS/MS is now readily available and can be used to consider more analytes other than DON. She will discuss a few points on methodology and the potential for these analytes like ochratoxin, zearalenone, and other Fusarium toxins to be present in grain. Finally hear about new recommendations, regulations, and international trade requirements for these other toxins when you join us for “Move Over DON – Multitoxin Testing Is Here.”

To learn more about Trilogy Analytical Labs, visit their website.

You can also check out the series of previous USWBSI Featured Researchers.