Friday, June 5, 2026
Professional Trajectory Lecture
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1024 Chemistry Annex
Coffee and cookies provided
Stoesser Lecture
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
116 Roger Adams Laboratory
Light refreshments will be provided in the CLSL A Atrium
Speaker: Dr. Stephanie Potisek Lee
R&D Strategy Leader at Dow
Lecture: "From Molecules to Markets: How Industrial Chemistry Problems Are Defined and Solved"
Abstract
Industrial research problems are often perceived as applied or incremental, yet many of the defining challenges remain fundamentally chemical—rooted in molecular interactions, chemistry fundamentals, and interfacial phenomena operating under real‑world constraints. In this seminar, I will present a chemist’s perspective on how industrial R&D problems are framed and solved when molecular design must coexist with scale, variability, and complex multicomponent systems.
Using case studies, this talk will illustrate challenges across several industrial projects. These include controlling wax crystallization in crude oils through polymeric pour point depressants, where polymer structure influences nucleation and crystal growth; enabling downgauging of low‑density polyethylene films for food packaging, where molecular architecture and processing dictate mechanical performance at reduced thickness; and incorporating post‑consumer recycled polymers into new materials, where multicomponent systems and impurities impact final product properties and performance.
Across these examples, a consistent theme emerges: while each problem appears application‑specific, the solutions depend on an understanding of underlying chemical mechanisms and their sensitivity to real‑world conditions. Ultimately, this talk will show that the most impactful industrial innovations arise when fundamental chemical principles are applied not only to optimize performance, but to design systems that are robust, scalable, and capable of delivering value beyond the laboratory.
Bio
Stephanie Potisek Lee, Ph.D. holds the role of R&D Strategy Leader where she supports the planning and implementation of strategic initiatives, the management of the global R&D project portfolio, and technical communications to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Dr. Potisek has 15 years of industrial R&D experience, where she has contributed to over 13 patents, received the Edison Award Highlight for Women Behind Innovation, and was honored as an R&D 100 finalist.