Formulation Scientist Never Had Academia on Her Radar

Name: Christián Henry (she/her)

PhD: Forestry, Michigan State University, 2022

What was your main area of research?

In my PhD research, I focused on finding sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials by using lignin, a natural polymer found in plants. Specifically, I studied how different types of lignin could be used to replace some of the petroleum-based components in rigid polyurethane foams, which are commonly used for insulation.

My work involved testing various lignin sources, developing new foam formulations, and analyzing the physical and chemical properties of the resulting materials. The goal was to create more environmentally friendly foams without sacrificing performance, contributing to the broader field of sustainable bioproducts and green chemistry.

What is your current job?

I am a Staff Formulation Scientist for Syngenta in North Carolina.

For my job, I do several things including:

• Plan, organize, and conduct experiments to design and optimize active ingredient formulations

• Validate formulation robustness through rigorous physico-chemical characterization

• Collaborate with engineering teams at pilot and production scale for introduction of developed products

• Mentor and coach other scientists within technical team and across the product development department

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love being able to create innovative solutions.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Collaboration

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Through involvement with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

PhD graduate ➡️ Staff Formulation Scientist

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Network!

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

My work was industry focused, so academia was not on the radar.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Network!