Lehigh Valley Section

February 2024 Section Meeting
Joint Meeting with AIChE LVLS
Lafayette College, 730 High St, Easton, PA 18042
Thursday, February 15th, 5:30-8:30 pm

“Knowledge and Skills Expected in Fresh Graduates in Industry”
 
Speaker: Tom English, Evonik Corporation

Abstract: More than half of doctoral degree holders in STEM work in industry or government (NSF 2020 Science and Engineering Indicators).  If choosing not to pursue additional education, most chemistry and chemical engineering undergraduates enter industry. Often there is little interaction between students and industry prior to graduation with the students first experience frequently being the interview process.  This can create an uncertain environment for the student unaware of industrial norms and expectations. The seminar will outline some key knowledge and skills expected of fresh graduates in industry at both the undergraduate and graduate level.  The skills will be tied to existing accreditation criteria from both ACS and ABET.  Several ways students and professors can use the coursework and graduate program to cultivate the needed attributes preparing students for industry will be suggested. Examples of technical problems faced and how fundamental chemical principles can be applied to solving them will be discussed. Resources for additional learning will also be presented. 

Speaker Biographical Information: Tom is Head of Pilot Operations in the Global Process Research Group with Evonik Industries AG based in Allentown PA. At Evonik, he is responsible for multiple technology transfer, scale-up, and process development projects. In 2021 he took over management of pilot operations at the Allentown site leading a team of PhD chemical engineers and technicians. In addition to his Ph.D., Tom holds a Masters in Systems Engineering and a Masters in Chemical Engineering all from Penn and a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware. He resides in Allentown with his wife and two sons. 

5:30 - 6:00pm - Welcome, Appetizers & Drinks in the Clay Ketchum Room (Marquis Hall)
6:00 - 7:00pm - Dinner in the Clay Ketchum Room (Marquis Hall)
7:00 - 7:30pm - Business Meeting in Hugel Science Center (Room 205)
7:30 - 8:30pm - Seminar in Hugel Science Center (Room 205)
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Cost: $25 / $15 for students.

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Directions: https://www.lafayette.edu/visit/maps-directions/  
Parking: Markle Parking Deck; https://www.lafayette.edu/visit/parking/