My job title says chemist, but my job duties are what I was trained for as a Materials Engineer - interpreting the relationship between properties, process, and structure - and it is with that title that I identify more strongly.

I work in the R&D department developing new products and supporting existing products for an adhesives and sealant manufacturer.  I have been in this position for nearly 7 years and it remains interesting and challenging.  My technical area of expertise is moisture-cure polyurethanes and silylated polymers.

On any given day my schedule can include

• making small sample batches
• laying out or testing experimental samples
• analyzing experimental or quality data
• collaborating with manufacturing or marketing
• observing production on the plant floor
• keeping up to date in meetings with suppliers
• leading product development teams
• investigating root causes of variations in production
• and more…..

I earned my M.S. from the University of Florida, preceded by my B.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more commonly known as Virginia Tech.  Both degrees were in Materials Science and Engineering and earned under my maiden name of Elizabeth Oborn.