Executive Board

Chair

John Carola

John Carola has volunteered with the NYSCC since 2010 and worked in the Personal Care industry for over 15 years. For 13 years he worked with raw materials in HI&I, Personal Care and Pharma with a variety of contract manufacturers, brands, indie brands and distributors. In 2013, began collaborations in Europe and southeast Asia growing and improving overseas partnerships. Over the last 30 months he has been involved in a multifaceted approach, teaming together a fast-growing personal care team to include technical support, operations, customer service, marketing/advertising, warehouse/distribution, and regulatory support. John has held NYSCC roles for over a decade in the following positions: Registration, monthly events, House Arrangements, Social events, Membership Chair and currently as the Future Chemist Workshop advisor to the chair. John has attended SCC chapter monthly meetings and tradeshows in Florida, Chicago, California, Connecticut and Long Island. Following an honorable discharge in the USMC, he began his four degree in North Carolina and transferred to Montclair State University in New Jersey. For the past 4 years he has volunteered for local organizations and co-founded the annual golf outing for Hunterdon county veterans which has raised substantial scholarship assistance for vets and their families.

Dr. Amber O. Evans

Dr. Amber Evans is a cosmetic industry professional who has been impacting the consumer beauty care experience through science, technology, and leadership for over fifteen years. She is the 2024 Chair of the New York Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC), overseeing operations and a variety of initiatives that educate and empower within the field of cosmetic science. She is also the Technical Director at House of Cheatham where she leads the R&D, regulatory and microbiology teams supporting a portfolio of global textured hair care & body care brands.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Evans was Senior Manager of Product Development at Moroccanoil where she leveraged her technical expertise in hair and skin science, ingredient technologies and claims testing to drive the global launch of prestige hair color and hair & body care products. As a former development scientist at ingredient supplier BASF, her contributions spanned hair, body, and oral care. She also previously supported R&D efforts in hair color and hair & shave care at Procter & Gamble.

Dr. Evans earned a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Cosmetic Science focus) from University of Cincinnati and a B.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. She has authored hair care publications, co-invented patented technologies, and featured on beauty industry platforms as well as others that support aspiring scientists and early career professionals. As a mentor, innovator, member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) and Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW), Dr. Evans is dedicated to influencing the progression of the cosmetic field.

Anushka Nadkarni

Anushka Nadkarni has been a dedicated volunteer with the NYSCC since 2018 and has amassed over five years of experience in the Personal Care Industry. Her expertise spans working with raw materials and contract manufacturing, where she excelled as a Formulation Scientist. Currently, she spearheads the Product Development and Innovation Department at Bentley Laboratories, driving forward-thinking solutions in the beauty and skincare space.

In 2021, Anushka served as the instructor for the prestigious Future Chemist Workshop, imparting her knowledge and passion to aspiring cosmetic scientists. Her volunteering efforts within the NYSCC extend to key roles on the DE&I Committee and as a Mentor in the Mentorship Program, demonstrating her commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. Anushka has also contributed insightful articles to renowned publications such as *Beauty Independent* and *Cosmetics and Toiletries*. She holds an MS in Cosmetic Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy from Mumbai, India.

Her passion for mentorship is evident in her role as a Leadership Coach for undergraduate students at Rutgers University, Newark, where she guided future leaders in navigating their academic and professional journeys.

Mythili Nori

Mythili Nori has worked in the Personal Care industry for over a decade. Her expertise is in Product Claim Substantiation and Data Science. In her current role at BASF, she is responsible for leading Physical Claim Substantiation and Sensory evaluations for Hair & Body Care. She is instrumental in leading research and claims method development for inclusive beauty. Prior to joining BASF, she spent 5 years at TRI/Princeton as a Senior Research Associate, supporting claim substantiation and fundamental research activities for textile and hair surfaces.

She earned a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from India and received Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University focusing on purification of drinking water. She has presented at various industry events and authored articles to NYSCC blog series and cosmetic business.com. She is currently teaching the Claims Substantiation Course at Fairleigh Dickinson University for Fall 2023.

Affiliations: Society of Cosmetic Chemists (2006-present), NYSCC Scientific Committee (2021-present)

Diane Dabkowski

Diane Dabkowski is currently an adjunct at Rutgers University and co-founder of A TON Process Solutions, LLC. She held multiple roles in Formulation, Clinical Science and Quality during her long careers with Avon and Unilever which also included receiving multiple Hair Care patents.

In addition to over 25 years of SCC membership, Diane is also a longtime member of American Chemical Society as well as Phi Beta Kappa. As one of her positions on Midwest SCC Board, Diane served a term as Treasurer and is excited about supporting NYSCC in the treasurer role.

Executive Board

Chair

John Carola

Advisor

Dr. Amber O. Evans

Chair Elect

Anushka Nadkarni

Secretary

Mythili Nori

TreasureR

Diane Dabkowski

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