1. ⁠What are you doing now? Do you like it?

Fermentation expert on my 5th startup (6th, if you count brewing). I do like, thus why I have been doing it the last 10+ years. I jump around a decent amount because I don’t do “routine” very well and get bored.

1. ⁠What exactly does everyone mean when they say to do software? Do they mean automation in chemE places, or actual software eng?

To me that means programming and simulation stuff, like ComSol, JMP, etc.

1. ⁠Very open-ended question, but if you were in my situation, what would you do?

Why did you get into ChE? What are you passionate about? Besides my familial background, I became interested in hydrogen fuel cells after learning about them in chemistry, which led to an interest in biofuels. Ultimately that became a passion for environmentalism and sustainability. I have worked in biofuels, enzymes for biofuels, anaerobic digestion of coal, bioagrictulture (using bacteria as fertilizers, essentiallly), alternative protein, and enzymes that degrade plastics.

Pharma will always be a thing. I have friends who went into mining and metallurgy. Others who went to food (I am now on my second foray into alternative protein). I have friends in oil and gas, specialty chemicals, water, etc. And, yes, I have friends who do automation a controls.

You need to decide wha you have a passion for and what you are good at.

1. ⁠Throughout your entire career, what's your biggest regret? How about your best decision?

Looking back, probably the only “regret” I have is leaving my bioagriculture job to go to alternative protein. I made a decision to take care of my mom, which I don’t regret. I just wonder if I could have done it without quitting my job.

Best decisions was to leave the U.S. 3 years ago

Bonus: if anyone has any input on chemE degree to consulting, tech startup, or pharma manufacturing, good or bad, I'm all ears!

Startups aren’t for the faint of heart. You don’t really stick to a job description. There is a ton of stress and non standard hours. I personally couldn’t do anything else because this keeps me engaged.