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Tell me a bit about your work and how your role has changed over the years.

I was hired by Conoco in Ponca City, Oklahoma right after graduating, and I spent almost 30 years in various roles across the country. I started in engineering, and when I retired, I was the strategy manager, responsible for improving our competitive position and understanding what legislation was on the horizon and how it would impact Conoco's refining network.

After retiring from Conoco, I moved back to Colorado. I worked for a couple of engineering firms, and now I'm almost fully retired. I still consult on a limited basis as I still enjoy technical and business challenges.

What inspired you to take on a mentorship role?

I’m on the��Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering advisory board. What I enjoy most about it is the opportunity to interview graduating seniors and graduate students. The��Alumni Student Mentor Program is another way I enjoy engaging with students.��

Without exception, every mentee I’ve had has been very self-motivated. They're interested in everything. They appreciate the time I spend with them. I’m actually a bit surprised that more students don’t take advantage of the program because alums can give a helpful perspective. We don’t help with schoolwork—none of us remember that stuff—but we do talk about career paths and offer advice on how to find that first job.

Of note, I've continued mentoring a student who graduated three years ago—he wanted to keep going. I am more than happy to help someone learn the lessons I have learned. And we actually hired one of my mentees. She didn't spend a long time with us, because she got a nice opportunity with Chevron, which is what she really wanted.

How has the ChBE department changed since you graduated?��

One big improvement is the department has teaching professors like��Wendy Young ���Ի���Charlie Nuttelman who are dedicated to instructing, something we didn't have back in my day. Many professors then were strong researchers, but not necessarily good teachers. We consistently hear rave feedback about the teaching professors' quality of instruction during our advisory board exit interviews.

How has the chemical engineering workforce changed since you graduated?

When I graduated about 80 percent of students were going into oil, gas or chemical industries—and most of us had jobs lined up before graduation. These days, it seems like the majority of students don't secure jobs until several months after graduation.��

That said, the range of opportunities are much broader now. No one was working in batteries when I graduated, and now it’s a major field. Back in my day, it was just chemical engineering. Today students have access to more biological engineering classes. For those interested in medical school, biological engineering is now a great pathway.

What types of companies should graduating students consider when starting their careers?��

I have a strong opinion on this—not everybody would agree. I've always told the students I mentor that working for an operating company is more rewarding than an engineering company. I've worked for both. At an operating company, you always have more work than you can possible get done and lots of variety. You work on projects, get involved in turnarounds, troubleshoot operating issues in the plant and the list goes on and on. In contrast, engineering companies are always hunting for more work to keep everyone billable. It’s a much different environment.

What do you hope to pass on to the next generation of chemical and biological engineers?

I hope that once they've graduated, they’ll feel motivated to give back through mentoring or by getting involved with the department’s advisory board. It’s so easy to do, especially with Zoom.

I also tell students that there aren’t enogh chemical engineering opportunities in Colorado, so if you want to hit the ground running, you need to be flexible about location—at least at the start of your career. Get experience, build your skills and make yourself marketable. Then, if you want to come back to Colorado, you can.��

I tell students, 'You work hard. You pay a lot of money for a ChemE degree. Make it work for you.'

What would you say to fellow alumni to encourage them to become mentors?

I would say, it's very rewarding and it's not a big time commitment. I spend an hour with Sam once a month. It gives you a chance to listen to young students.