Kaylee Emick
Kaylee Emick is a research and process-focused engineer working at the intersection of innovation, manufacturing, and applied science. A dual-degree graduate of Penn State University, she earned bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Psychology, along with a minor in Neuroscience—an interdisciplinary foundation that informs her analytical approach to complex systems, human factors, and operational decision-making. She currently serves as a Research Pilot Brewery Operator at Anheuser-Busch, where she is part of the innovation team advancing new beverage concepts from idea to production.
In her role at Anheuser-Busch, Kaylee leads and supports pilot-scale brewing operations, product development, and process optimization initiatives. Her work includes managing daily brewing operations, conducting root cause analyses on process and quality deviations, improving SOPs and safety procedures, and redesigning data and inventory systems to enhance accuracy and efficiency. She has also contributed to non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage development and continuous improvement efforts, including 5S optimization and microbial and KPI-based quality assessments.
Kaylee’s experience is grounded in both technical rigor and leadership. Prior to joining Anheuser-Busch, she completed manufacturing and engineering internships in brewery operations and served as a Resident Assistant at Penn State, where she developed strong skills in mentorship, conflict resolution, and safety management. With a passion for innovation, process safety, and data-driven improvement, Kaylee brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and human-centered insight to the future of food and beverage manufacturing.
• CCPS Process Safety Fundamentals
• Social and Behavioral Human Subjects Research (IRB) Course
• Penn State University- B.S. x 2
• St. Louis Stray Rescue
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for the food and beverage industry, my hands-on experience managing and training teams at Starbucks, and my love for the engineering and quality assurance side of my work. I’m excited to be in an industry where I can continue to grow and make an impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “It’s yours when you want it,” reminding me to take ownership of opportunities and go after what I truly want.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are balance, curiosity, and a love for the outdoors. I enjoy hiking, swimming, and camping, which help me recharge and stay energized both personally and professionally.