AOAC Method Validation Course (8 hours)
Member price $699/Non-member price $799
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Part I)
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 12:00 – 4:00 PM (Part II)
All Webinars are U.S. Eastern Time Zone
Course Description
This training course reviews the technical validation requirements and processes of the Performance Tested MethodsSM and Official Methods of AnalysisSM programs. The course will include sessions covering the general program requirements, plus the technical requirements for microbiology methods and chemistry methods in a variety of matrices.
Target Attendees
Method Developers
Independent Laboratories
Candidates for AOAC Expert Reviewers or Volunteer Experts
Learning Outcomes
Method Developers:
Better understanding of AOAC conformity assessment programs and processes
Improved study designs meeting AOAC and AOACRI requirements
More concise data collection, and therefore, faster PTM and OMA approvals
Independent Laboratories:
Part of qualification as a AOACRI Independent Laboratory
Improved chances for selection for AOACRI studies and OMA collaborative studies
Better understanding of technical requirements and processes for performing studies
Candidates for AOAC Expert Reviewers:
Better understanding of AOAC conformity assessment programs and processes
Better understanding of current practices, statistics, and acceptance criteria
Improved chances for selection as an Expert Reviewer
Course Instructors
Dr. Sharon Brunelle has worked with the AOAC RI and AOAC INTERNATIONAL since 2003 as a technical consultant coordinating microbiology and chemistry method validation studies in PTM and OMA programs. Brunelle also served as the technical lead for various contract-related and standards development projects within AOAC. She played a major role in developing guidelines for validation of biothreat agent methods and revising guidelines for validation of microbiology methods. Prior to AOAC, she worked for 10 years in diagnostics development and validation, both in food microbiology and clinical oncology. Brunelle earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Delaware and a PhD in biochemistry from Brandeis University. Her postdoctoral work was in medical biochemistry at Rockefeller University and the Picower Institute for Medical Research.
Maria Nelson has worked with the AOAC RI and AOAC INTERNATIONAL since 2003 as a technical consultant coordinating microbiology and chemistry method validation studies in the PTM and OMA programs. Nelson also served as a technical advisor for AOAC contract-related activities and microbiology validation guidelines. She has worked in the biotechnology industry developing a variety of test methods using many techniques, with 6 years specifically in developing and validating microbiological test kits. Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology and a master’s degree in microbiology from the University of California, Davis.
