MICHELLE SCHARDT

**** ******** ****

Lambertville, Michigan 48144

734-***-****

OBJECTIVE

To acquire a Chemist position where my 12 years of polymer research and development experience and

analytical background, which has comprised of identifying, evaluating, and implementing sustainable

product and process opportunities conforming to quality standards for smooth production launches would

assist your company in maintaining and achieving it's goals and requirements, while at the same time

provide me with an opportunity for stimulation.

EXPERIENCE

BASF Corporation, Whitehouse, Ohio 2008 – 2009

Chemist I

• Developed for production, by understanding each ingredient’s function, use, and regulatory

requirements, a room temperature cured, advanced epoxy, automotive refinish paint formula through

ISO 9001:2000 conformance and customer specific testing studies, including ASTM and DIN for Dry

Time, Cure Hardness, Viscosity/Pot Life, Adhesion, Thickness, Percent Solid, Indentation, Xenon,

Humidity and Salt Corrosion Resistance analyses.

• Organized, scheduled, and conducted prototype studies using high speed mixing and dispersing

equipment

• Prepared and analyzed painted panels using hand spray application equipment

• Documented findings and generated statistical data from experimental designs in laboratory book and

shared knowledge with colleagues in monthly presentations

• Engaged in direct communication with sales support groups to bring customer’s needs to laboratory

• Proposed problem solving, innovative, cost saving, and safety ideas

• Performed safety audits, SOP reviews, and ergonomic awareness activities

Eaton Corporation, Maumee, Ohio 2007 – 2008

Lead Technician

• Set-up, validated, and conducted laboratory experiments on thin plastic and rubber films used for the

fluid conveyance industry by characterization analysis and physical-mechanical tests including

proficiency in carrying out Soxhlet Extraction; FTIR Spectroscopy; TGA, DSC, and RPA; Capillary

Rheometry; Percent Moisture; Density; Tensile, Elongation, and Elastic Modulus; Hardness; Izod

Cold Flex/Impact; UV Weathering; Wyzenbeek Wear; and other simulated engine and fluid

conveyance test methods

• Recorded raw data in worksheets, analyzed values, and calculated results for test reports

• Safely operated and maintained, for sample preparation and training purposes, the use of pilot plant

machinery: Twin Screw Extruder, Single Screw Extruder, Single Screw Injection Molder, Brabender

Blender, and other equipment

• Wrote appropriate equipment and instrument protocols encompassing processing conditions, runtime,

calibration, and problem solving worksheets; as well as laboratory procedures for safe chemical

handling and disposal

• Maintained chemical laboratory; raw material inventory system, Material Safety Data Sheets, and

technical data sheets requirements.

• Identified an advanced polymer-blend system and recognized equipment details required for

adherence to standard test methods

• Participated on Health & Safety team and 6S implementation group

Textileather Corporation, Toledo, Ohio 1997 - 2007

Product Development Specialist

• Formulated and managed, from concept to production, robust flexible coatings used to manufacture

multi-layered automotive vinyl constructions, including PVC plastisol formulations, PVC and EVA

calender compounds, PA adhesives, Urethane water-base top finishes, PVC/Acrylic solvent-base

topcoats, and cotton/polyester fabrics all in compliance to regulatory policies

• Assured coating and construction quality in all production areas through ISO/TS 16949/QS 9000

standards

• Designed test plans, product & process specifications, and SOP’s for new items

• Performed tests & analyses, and wrote reports for automotive vinyl formulations and constructions

• Supervised, evaluated, and recorded prototype, pre-launch, and first three production batch properties

and process results

• Oversaw the internal launch of new product development through the automotive Advanced Product

Quality Planning (APQP) methodology by creating DOE’s, Process Flow Diagrams, FMEA’s,

BOM’s, Control Plans, cost analysis and Statistical Process Capability studies

• Constructed and submitted Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) packages, Material Safety Data

Sheets, International Material Data Systems, and New Construction & Color Submission packages to

customers and OEMs

• Dispositioned out-of-spec materials and trouble shot unstable production formula and construction

issues

• Identified and assisted with executing lean manufacturing technologies which increased processing

time by over 50%/project

• Recognized and participated with continuous improvement activities which involved a savings of

$50K+per month/project

• Operated laboratory instrumentation and equipment for: Thickness, Weight, Percent Solid, Surface

Energy/Tension, pH, Brookfield & Zahn Viscosity, Instron Tensile Tear, & Elongation, Dead Weight

Stretch & Set, Adhesion, Hot & Cold Cycling, Heat Aging, Hegman Grind, Moisture by Karl Fisher

Extraction, FTIR Spectroscopy, GC, Xenon, Bally Flex, W-Flex, Tinius Olsen Stiffness, Wyzenbeek

Wear, Fog Resistance, Color, Gloss, Flammability, Lab Mixers, 2-Roll Mill, Inverted L Calender,

Gravure Roll Finisher, and Embosser

• Instituted lab Calibration and Gauge R&R system

• Established respectable interfaces with co-workers, customers, OEMs, and suppliers

• Conducted internal process audits

• Supported monthly management meetings

CERTIFICATIONS

Quality Functional Deployment, Failure Mode & Effects Analysis, Principles of Continuous

Improvement, Basic Statistical & Systems Thinking Techniques, Mistake Proofing, and Kaizen Activity

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

SAP, Minitab, Axapta, Synchrono, ASA, IMDS, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint

EDUCATION

The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio

Bachelors of Arts Degree in Chemistry

Monroe County Community College, Monroe, Michigan

Associate Degree in Applied Science

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Contact this candidate