Experience

• 1998 - present the Dow Chemical Company, Texas, USA, Packaging and Specialty Plastics and Hydrocarbons (PSP&H) R&D. Current title: Senior R&D Fellow.
• 1994-97 Dow Benelux, Polyolefins R&D, The Netherlands.
• 1991-93 Dow Iberica, Polyolefins R&D, Spain.
• 1991 Post-Doctoral assignment, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
• 1990: Ph.D., Dept. of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station.

My research and development work spans various areas including developing a novel multifunctional analyzer for manufacturing plant product quality control; new technologies by combining catalyst-process-polymer materials science expertise to meet market needs, and protecting intellectual property through patent filing, opposition and defense. I have developed products for applications ranging from food packaging, industrial and consumer films, to rigid packaging, automotive, durable goods, and pipe, and more recently to meet sustainable circular material needs. During the last approximately 5 years, greater than a billion dollars in net sales were generated from new products designed and developed by me or under my direct technical leadership. I received the Dow North America P&SP Award for Excellence related to my work in product development. I have 32 granted U.S. Patents. I am the author of several publications in peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings. I am a member of the Texas A&M University Materials Science & Engineering Department, College Station, Texas, Industrial Advisory Board (2018-present).

One of my most rewarding accomplishments is to build the future people talent and innovation pipeline at Dow. I have created opportunities and leadership roles for new group members, chartered projects and helped build global initiatives based on identified technology gaps, customer needs and market opportunities.

SPE Positions Held

• SPE CCOW chair: 2017-2018, 2018-2019. As CCOW chair, fostered meaningful dialog between Councilors & EB, by organizing & facilitating Councilor-EB meetings. Made the 80+ attendee CCOW meetings fruitful by focusing the discussion on topics to benefit & strengthen SPE. Served on committees to improve work processes & member services: Outreach Taskforce to revamp the Pinnacle award program; Divisions Committee to reinforce link with EB, consolidate Divisions needs/best practices; ANTEC conference improvement to address current needs.
• Technical contributions recognized by being named SPE Fellow in 2016.
• Two term EPSDIV Councilor (2016-21): As Councilor led, guided, & reinvigorated the EPSDIV board. Identified an opportunity to increase the revenue stream by co-hosting the Int. Polyolefins Conf. with 4 other Divisions. Result - after several years gap, EPSDIV now has a positive cash stream. Through my academia network, promoted EPSDIV-SPE by speaking & inviting board members to speak at the Texas A&M University, Materials Science and Engineering Dept. Lecture Series for undergraduates. The course is designed to provide students with a preview of industrial careers & shape their education choices. Supported community STEM activities. EPSDIV board members participated as judges at the Houston Science & Engineering Fair. The regional fair provides junior and senior high school students an opportunity to apply their mathematics and science knowledge beyond the classroom. The overall team of judges conducted nearly 3000 interviews to evaluate more than 700 student projects across two divisions and 17 project categories.
• EPSDIV Board member (2013-present): as the TPC co-chair organized the technical program at ANTEC.
• Blow Molding Division board member (2009-2012): redesigned & updated website. Helped organize, secure speakers, moderate sessions for annual BM conference.
• Presented and won best paper awards at SPE conferences: received the Blow Molding Division ANTEC 2009 best paper award. In 2016 I received the EPSDIV best paper award.

Summary

I have 29 years work experience in the Plastics industry. I am a recognized technical expert within and outside Dow. I am a Senior Fellow at Dow, among the top technical track positions at Dow. I have led global, multi-functional teams to deliver successfully versus key business objectives.

I am actively involved to develop the next generation of researchers through 1:1 mentoring and coaching plus receiving reverse mentoring from my colleagues, as I continue my personal learning journey to become a more effective team member. At Dow, I originated the annual site-wide career development event to serve a broader employee base outside my immediate department. This annual site-wide event is attended by over 300+ employees. The event was conducted virtually in 2020.

I have volunteered since 2009 at SPE. I have held leadership roles as the Chapter Councilor and CCOW chair. I have received significant recognition from SPE, being named a SPE Fellow in 2016.

My skill set can be summarized as follows,

• Demonstrated technical and people leadership skills
• Self driver with a bias for action and focus on delivery
• Driven by the desire to give back and leave things better than I found them
• While I value institutional knowledge, I am also a change champion
• Ability not just to hear but listen to what is being said
• Ability to partner with team members and stakeholders from multiple backgrounds
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Additional Information

• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Project Leader
• Global experience
• Industry-Academia bridge experience