Rowan & Roots

I was always into chemistry in high school (thanks, Mrs. Hopman!), and two of my friends were also going into engineering in college (Hi Alanna and Geena). They were going for biomedical and civil, and since I liked chemistry, I chose chemical engineering. After applying to about 10 colleges all throughout the northeast and touring them all, I chose Rowan because of the small class sizes and the connections students seemed to have with their professors. I had come from a high school graduating class of 35, so a small cohort was something I wanted in college as well 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Rowan Engineering?

My favorite memories always center around working with my friends on projects. Sitting in each other’s living rooms until late at night while working on a report, homework, or just studying is something I miss to this day. I made lifelong friends through the trials and tribulations of getting an engineering degree. 

Was there a professor or class that shaped your path?

My favorite class was Chemical Reaction Engineering with Dr. Dahm. He is a person that is so talented at teaching others about high-level topics. I still remember the feeling of concepts finally clicking for me and how satisfying that was. I also remember that one of the first homework assignments had a problem from our textbook (Essentials of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Fogler, Question P2-10D) that said “Don’t calculate anything. Just go home and relax.” So, from the beginning I knew that it was going to be a fun class.

What’s the most valuable skill you learned at Rowan that you still use today?

Honestly, it’s just critical thinking and working in teams. I bring these skills to work every day, and I give Rowan the credit for making me a good team player and being able to properly research and break down a problem.

What engineering problem or project have you worked on that you're most proud of?

I have been fortunate to be able to travel the world for Inolex to different manufacturers and either install new equipment or scale up processes that have extended our reach into the global market. Whether it be Brazil, South Korea, India, or other US manufacturers, I am always proud to see our processes be successfully implemented across the globe.

How has your career evolved since graduating? Any surprising twists?

I never envisioned myself wearing a hard hat and steel-toed boots to work, but that was the first 4 years of my career and I could not be happier. It gave me a great perspective and the opportunity to do some hands-on process engineering. I have now shifted into supply chain, which I did not expect originally, but then again who knew the word supply chain 6 years ago like we do now? I still wear a hard hat from time to time which is fun, but I am fortunate to have been able to explore several different roles within the same company over the last 10 years.

Engineering with Impact

The industry of cosmetics and personal care is, very rightly so, centered around sustainability. We see the effects of engineering throughout life cycle analyses of products and processes. Engineering is necessary to create efficiencies, develop alternative energies, and create new technologies that lower product carbon footprints. Engineering initiatives are critical in lowering scope 1 emissions for companies which helps the industry reach its future carbon reduction goals and ultimately helps mitigate climate change.

What advice would you give to current Rowan Engineering students who want to make an impact?

I would say go into an industry that you’re passionate about. Being able to affect change in something that you care about is very rewarding. It keeps you interested in emerging technology and connects you with others that have similar passions.

Your Engineer’s Lens

I appreciate the layers of product development that go into personal care products and cosmetics. From raw materials, to ingredients, to formulators, to consumer good manufacturers, there are so many layers of work and research that ultimately go into a product on the shelf. If I didn't work in this industry, I don't know that I would even think twice about the design of products I buy.

If you could design or improve anything in the world — no limits — what would it be?

It would have to be accelerating the scale up of renewable energy and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Living through the climate crisis in real time is obviously very concerning. If I could snap my fingers and have a significant impact on our carbon emissions to start slowing and reversing climate change, that is what I would do.

Quick Hits

Field intern at Marathon Engineering, a civil engineering firm in Swedesboro, NJ. This was where I first learned that there was more to engineering than sitting behind a desk. I was able to participate in field visits on a variety of projects that centered around groundwater monitoring.

Coffee for sure.

Boring answer, but Excel.

Bagel express was a guiding light of breakfast sandwiches and coffee before class.

Datacentric