Christopher Dromgoole (BS'00, MS'03)
Process Engineer, The Hershey Company

Work highlights: I have led the process development, design, and commercialization of several new candy bars. In addition, I had several opportunities to work on international product commercialization efforts in Brazil, China, and Mexico. I also assisted with the relocation of different production lines between plants.

Why IAB: I would like to help steer the ChE curriculum in a direction that would be helpful with making the students be better received by industry upon graduation.

Jason Giacomelli (BS'11, PhD'23 - University of Limerick)
Mixing Technology Manager, SPXFLOW

Work highlights: My work in mixing technology brings all aspects of chemical engineering together, combining momentum transport with mass and heat as well as multiphase fluid dynamics to produce suspensions, dispersion, and mixtures of the desired result.

Why IAB: The education I received in Rowan ChE has set me ahead of my peers upon entering the workforce. For this reason, I have sourced Rowan for engineers numerous times and have been extremely pleased with their performance. I feel that the best way I can give back to the school is to provide a feedback loop on what aspects of my education were useful and what were lacking.

Mike Hatton (BS'04, MS'05)
Strategic Project Management, MM Packaging

Work highlights: The Rowan ChE program teaches how to approach and solve problems in real world situations. That skillset can be applied in any industry and is highly sought after in the market. As I look back at the biggest successes of my career, being able to communicate the problem clearly and working with a cross-functional team was the key to identifying the solution.

Why IAB: Rowan has provided a great education for my wife and I. I would love to see the education and reputation of Rowan continue to be one I am proud of.

Laura Kuczynski (BS'07)
Scientist, Vaccine Manufacturing Science & Commercialization, Merck

Work highlights: My work has supported last-stage development and tech transfer of a vaccine candidate that took place in Cork, Ireland. I was also part of the process development team for one of Merck's COVID vaccines.

Why IAB: Looking back, I feel that the Rowan ChE education was very valuable. I appreciated the small class sizes and close relationships with professors, and I was on a clinic project sponsored by Novartis that led to two summer internships. Now that I'm in the pharma industry, I would like to help facilitate that connection for students, and also provide input to the department.

Brian Kuritz (BS'02, MS'04)
Director, Research and Development, Mannington Mills

Work highlights: At Rowan, I had the valuable opportunity to intern at Mannington Mills. This experience together with my rigorous academic training in experimental design gave me practical skills and prepared me for my future roles in R&D. Over time, I was able to leverage the knowledge and experience to pioneer new flooring products.  

Why IAB: I believe deeply in the importance of giving back to the community that has significantly shaped my career and life.  I am eager to offer my experiences and insights, and to help foster an environment that supports the next generation of engineers.

Kristin Phillippi (BS'01, MBA'05 - Rutgers University)
Facilities and Engineering Manager, GGB NA

Work highlights: Through my internship experiences, I realized that a "traditional" chemical engineering path wasn't right for me, and alternately I became very interested in materials and manufacturing. I was then able to choose clinic projects which matched my interests and subsequently a career path as well. I now manage teams of mechanical and electrical engineers, and maintenance technicians and machinists. My Rowan ChE degree didn't limit my path but instead helped me to open doors and expand my knowledge.

Why IAB: As both a Rowan ChE graduate and a local employer in Gloucester County, I want to continue to see that Rowan develop talent that matches the needs of the workforce.

Dominique Rousseau (BS'19)
Process Engineer, Johnson Matthey

Work highlights: At Rowan, I did undergraduate clinic and summer research, working on bio-based polymers as gel and polymer electrolytes for batteries. After graduation, I joined Johnson Matthey through their Graduate Rotation Program, rotating every eight months for two years to a new position, new site or new sector. I started in the Clean Air business, moved to their previous Health sector, and then to a developmental role in precious metals. Since leaving the program, I have started on the development team in their Life Science Technology group.

Samantha Winterburn (BS'16)
Contract Manufacturing Manager, Inolex

Work highlights: I have been able to travel the globe (Brazil, South Korea, India, all over the US) to work with manufacturers directing product scale up and supply chain execution.

Why IAB: I was looking for a way to get involved at my alma mater, and the ChE IAB is a great way to remain connected and influence the trajectory of the program.

Krystal Wrigley (BS'05)
Chief Fuels Technology Engineer, ExxonMobil

Work highlights: My Rowan ChE education has enabled me to not only do process design and scale up, but it also taught me how to think about solving technical problems that go beyond the discipline. I've found in my career that collaboration with people of different backgrounds and being willing to learn new things are essential to diversifying skills and delivering the best work product possible. Most recently, I led a product development effort that moved through the technology pipeline from concept, development to commercialization.  

Why IAB: I look back to my time at Rowan fondly. The quality of education and learning environment enabled me to step into the professional world seamlessly. As I look to the future, I believe this generation of technology leaders have a significant opportunity to make a big impact in helping the world move into the next revolution. Working through the IAB enables a close integration between industry and academia. On top of that, I enjoy working closely with the professors and leadership team to help shape future opportunities for Rowan ChE.