Engineer Engineering

Richard Gonzalez

**** * ********* **., **** City, IA 52245

*********************@*****.*** / Phone: 787-***-****

linkedin.com/in/richardgonzalezarroyo

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. Chemical Engineering. The University of Iowa. Expected May 2015

Cumulative GPA. 3.68

• B.Eng. Chemical Engineering. University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. 2010

Cumulative GPA 3.66/Major 3.76

INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE

SC Johnson - Racine, WI. Summer 2014

Intern Research and Development Engineer

• Lead the integration of (3) new methods for the kinetic analysis of grease removal for cleaner Fantastik.

• Utilized Design of Experiments, Adhesion Phenomena, Dissolution studies and Abrasion tests on different surfaces,

to upgrade current cleaning formula and promote washing performance on greasy soils.

NASA - Glenn Research Center. Cleveland, OH. Summer 2010

Intern Bioscience and Technology Engineering

• Synthesized (7) novel catalysts after extensive literature review for SYNGAS FT processes designed to produce jet

fuel from natural gas. As well, performed catalyst characterization with SEM.

• Results contributed to an increase of biomass production and a published article at AIAA journal.

US ARMY Corps of Engineer - Champaign, IL. Summer 2009

Intern Materials and Science Engineering

• Performed a life cycle assessment, compile analytical data and literature, to write an article about thermoplastic ma-

terials for construction applications.

• Validated the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions using recycled plastic as a replacement for chemically

treated wood bridges on Department of Defense installations.

Eastman Chemical Company - Kingsport, TN. January - December 2008

Co-op Process Engineer

• Worked closely with operators, manufacturing leadership and fellow engineers to identify improvement opportuni-

ties at the 800tons/day TPA-polymer manufacturing process plant.

• Optimized catalyst control scheme by coding a computational algorithm that provides in-situ feedback of reactants.

• Increased reactor reflux pumps capacity by evaluating impellers performance and working with contractors to ac-

complish impellers replacement.

Co-op Research and Development Engineer

• Conducted kinetic experiments on a semi-batch reactor to model aldehyde oxidations. Data was analyzed proficient-

ly with Dynochem software and resulted on a 2nd order reaction model.

• Results improved the upscale design of a 4,000L reactor and another Co-op job was offered.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Graduate Research Assistant – The University of Iowa 2010-Present

• Analyzed biocatalyst kinetic performance of fungi B. bassiana in the biotransformation of steroids for medical ap-

plications. Studied fungi transformative capacity inducing P-450 enzymes to oxidize steroid hormone DHEA.

• Successfully developed novel control parameters for growing cells using organic solvents as carbon source.

• Performed biocatalyst fermentations, whole-cell reactions, Flash column chromatography separations, HPLC quan-

tification, and NMR, IR and LCMS characterizations.

• Increased the yield of hydroxylated steroids from 5 to 45%, and established the kinetics for upscale reactor design.

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Teaching Assistant- The University of Iowa

• Introduction to Biochemical Engineering with Dr. Ryan Summers 2013

• Mass Transfer and Separations with Dr. Eric Nuxoll 2010

Undergraduate Research Assistant - University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. 2007-2010

• Sponsored by the U.S. Air Force and Department of Energy. Achieved substantial production of biofuel based on

the conversion of H2 and CO, with copper zinc as catalyst. Completed design and setup of a “single pass reactor

tube” with Dr. Jose Colucci.

• Sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Synthesized pill tablets enclosing active ingredients and evaluated the effect

of formulation changes on NIR and RAMAN drug content calibration models with Dr. Rodolfo Romañach.

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

• National Graduate Representative - Region 6 2014-Present

• National Graduate Committee Chair 2012-2014

• Iowa Chapter Treasurer 2011-2013

Multi-Ethnic Engineering and Science Association (MESA) – President 2013-Present

Graduate Student Senate at The University of Iowa – Chemical Engineering Representative 2012-2013

Chemical Engineering Graduate Students Association – Founder and President 2012-2013

NOBCChE – Member 2011-Present

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) – Member 2007-Present

Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society – Inducted member 2009

Golden Key International Honor Society – Inducted member 2009

ΖФB Fraternity – Member 2007-Present

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Biophysical Society – Best Biochemical Engineering Poster at NOBCChE Conference 2014

Philip G. Hubbard – Uncommon Leadership Award at The University of Iowa 2013

NOBCChE – Advancing Science Award 2012 and 2013

Best Socio-Engineering case study at SHPE-NILA Conference 2012

Lockheed Martin – Leadership Advancement Scholarship 2012

Lilia Abron – Distinguished Mentoring Award at The University of Iowa 2012

Vetter Service Award - Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department at The University of Iowa 2012

NASA Student Ambassador at Iowa 2011

Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Fellowship (GAANN) 2010

Department of Energy Scholarship 2010

Alliance for Minority Participation Research Scholarship 2007, 2009 and 2010

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Chemical Engineering: Reaction Engineering, Enzyme Kinetics, Catalysis, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology.

Research and Development: Process Design, Improvement and Optimization. Lab and Pilot Plant Experimentation. Data

Analysis and Market Research. Proficient at Matlab, Aspen and ChemCad software.

Project Management: Order lab equipment and supplies. Prepare technical reports and audits documentation. Mentored

(4) undergraduate students.

Leadership and Teamwork: Effective communication and motivational skills that led mentees to win poster awards.

Committed to team dynamics with the ability to contribute expertise and follow leadership directives.

Community outreach: In 2011 established EERGI, a non-profit corporation that encourages public school students from

hometown Rio Grande (PR) to pursuit engineering careers at the University of Puerto Rico.

Certifications: Certified Leader by SHPE and for Crucial Conversations by VitalSmarts.

Key Strengths: Fluent English and Spanish. Adaptable, detail-oriented with ethic and excellent organizational abilities.

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