Early life as a BS chem E: I developed possible solutions to operating problems. This required taking operating data and learning the technical basis for the production scheme. Initial role in R&D as a new PhD: Applied technical skills to develop new approaches to utilize the carbon content of coal that did not include burning the coal. To do this I hypothesized possible processes and developed laboratory and pilot plant tests to determine yields of desired products. Once the results were in the data was used to evaluate the economic feasibility of the process.
Later I became less technical and more managerial as I moved through a variety of positions. In these roles I became an enabler and spokesperson for my people while still applying critical thinking and technical insight to help them develop effective programs and to produce valuable results for the company. This was true whether I was responsible for technology development, operations, or strategic planning.
