The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) is pleased to announce the launch of PlastChicks™ 101, a groundbreaking educational initiative designed to provide comprehensive lessons focused on plastics. The goal of the series is to educate people on all the major plastics and plastics processes, creating an informed and effective generation of professionals, empowering them with the knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
PlastChicks 101, hosted by Lynzie Nebel, Upstream Quote Engineer for Cytiva, and Mercedes Landázuri, Market Insight Manager at Ampacet, is an accessible and engaging series of 10-20 minute, pre-recorded, lessons that cover materials and processes.
“Unlike some of the other educational videos you can find on plastics processes, these lessons incorporate fun, engaging formats and mnemonic devices to help participants retain critical information effectively,” said Landázuri. “The series is ideal for newcomers to the plastics industry, experienced professionals seeking to fill knowledge gaps, and individuals working in plastics-adjacent industries who want to improve their understanding of plastics to enhance collaboration and communication.”
Participants will develop a better understanding of plastics, enabling them to improve cross-functional communications within their organizations as well as with external stakeholders such as vendors and customers. By offering practical, real-world knowledge in an engaging format, PlastChicks 101 enhances professional effectiveness across the plastics industry.
Nebel also emphasized that PlastChicks 101 provides organizations with the opportunity to become featured companies, positioning themselves as leaders in the plastics industry. Featured company support also goes toward the PlastChicks scholarship fund.
“Featured companies can showcase their equipment and products within the lessons, increasing visibility among current and future customers,” said Nebel. “They also have the chance to participate in recorded Q&A sessions on their area of expertise, highlighting their knowledge and authority in the field. By supporting this initiative, featured companies contribute to the development of a more informed workforce, benefiting both their organizations and the broader plastics industry.”
Kim McLoughlin Senior Research Engineer, Global Materials Science Braskem
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Kim drives technology programs at Braskem to develop advanced polyolefins with improved recyclability and sustainability. As Principal Investigator on a REMADE-funded collaboration, Kim leads a diverse industry-academic team that is developing a process to recycle elastomers as secondary feedstock. Kim has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cornell. She is an inventor on more than 25 patents and applications for novel polyolefin technologies. Kim is on the Board of Directors of SPE’s Thermoplastic Materials & Foams Division, where she has served as Education Chair and Councilor.
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Gamini has a BS and PhD from Purdue University in Materials Engineering and Sustainability. He joined Penn State as a Post Doctorate Scholar in 2020 prior to his professorship appointment. He works closely with PA plastics manufacturers to implement sustainability programs in their plants.
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Tom Giovannetti holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tulsa and for the last 26 years has worked for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. Tom started his plastics career by designing various injection molded products for the chemical industry including explosion proof plugs and receptacles, panel boards and detonation arrestors for 24 inch pipelines. Tom also holds a patent for design of a polyphenylene sulfide sleeve in a nylon coolant cross-over of an air intake manifold and is a Certified Plastic Technologist through the Society of Plastic Engineers. Tom serves on the Oklahoma Section Board as Councilor, is also the past president of the local Oklahoma SPE Section, and as well serves on the SPE Injection Molding Division board.
Joseph Lawrence, Ph.D. Senior Director and Research Professor University of Toledo
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Dr. Joseph Lawrence is a Research Professor and Senior Director of the Polymer Institute and the Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization at the University of Toledo. He is a Chemical Engineer by training and after working in the process industry, he has been engaged in polymers and composites research for 18+ years. In the Polymer Institute he leads research on renewably sourced polymers, plastics recycling, and additive manufacturing. He is also the lead investigator of the Polyesters and Barrier Materials Research Consortium funded by industry. Dr. Lawrence has advised 20 graduate students, mentored 8 staff scientists and several undergraduate students. He is a peer reviewer in several journals, has authored 30+ peer-reviewed publications and serves on the board of the Injection Molding Division of SPE.
Matt Hammernik Northeast Account Manager Hasco America
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Matt Hammernik serves as Hasco America’s Northeast Area Account Manager covering the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He started with Hasco America at the beginning of March 2022. Matt started in the Injection Mold Industry roughly 10 years ago as an estimator quoting injection mold base steel, components and machining. He advanced into outside sales and has been serving molders, mold builders and mold makers for about 7 years.
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