CATHERINE S. PUCKETT, Ph.D.
Richmond, CA 94806
Tel: 510-***-****
Email: ********@**********.***
SUMMARY
I have an advanced degree in polymer science, past supervisory experience,
strong writing skills (use of Microsoft Office), expertise in polymeric
materials characterization, chemical analysis and applied technology, such
as rheology. I have used use my multi-disciplinary background for problem
solving and process or product development in applications such as
corrosive wear testing, polymer gel rheology, catalyst slurry rheology,
lubricant oxidation, low temperature lubricant viscosity & rheology,
lubricant formulation, biomedical polymer characterization, magnetic tape
production, and contact lens manufacture. I am proficient in the use of
rheology, thermal analysis, and gel permeation chromatography for
analytical methods development, manufacturing support, and the evaluation
of new materials and competitor products.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CHEVRON ORONITE, LLC, Richmond, CA
2007 - 2013
Senior Research Chemist
A significant responsibility was being the Oronite Product &
Technology (P&T) Richmond / San Antonio site advisor for Repetitive
Stress Injury Prevention (RSIP) Process since 2008, and completing
certification in Chevron Oronite Operational Excellence in 2009.
CPDEP, a Chevron internal project development and execution process
training program, was completed in 2008. Capital stewardship
organizational capability (CSOC) regular certification was completed
in 2010. While working for the automotive engine oil (AEO) group, I
served on the SAE J300 Engine Oil Viscosity Classification Task Force
(EOVC) as the Oronite representative, issuing technical activity
reports to a global AEO audience from 2007-2011. I was the e-Room
coordinator and technical member of the Global Customer Assistance
Team (GCAT) 2007-2011.
2011- 2013 - I transitioned to the P&T, Global Components Integrated
Fundamentals & Testing Team to focus on lubricant rheology as well as
some oxidation and deposits work related to automotive lubricant
performance. I was the technically qualified individual (TQI) of 2
labs. I briefly supervised the Penn State Micro Oxidation Tester
(PSMOT), Viscosity On-Line Oxidation Test (VOLOT) work and laboratory
at which time I supervised a contract technician for oxidation-
deposit work. I was responsible for rheology projects, data
interpretation and (rheometer) instrumentation. Work included catalyst
slurry rheology characterization at elevated pressure and temperatures
using an AR-G2 rheometer. Other project work includes rheological
characterization of VII (polymer) solutions and soot dispersancy of
dispersant additives. I conducted scoping experiments with a prototype
device which I built and designed to evaluate corrosive wear
protection by marine cylinder lubricants (MCL) for use in Bolnes
engine cylinder liners. I transferred this technology to The
Netherlands Technology Center.
I used a management of change (MOC) process on several occasions to
complete associated documentation and work issuance for ventilation of
a high frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) and the high pressure
nitrogen gas utility tie in for a TA Instruments ARG2 rheometer. I
also built the prototype marine corrosion tester which I then used for
measuring corrosive wear with MCLs.
2010-2011 - I was the project leader for Low Temperature Fundamentals
Project for AEO Product Development Team to define and investigate
various mechanisms contributing to low temperature viscosity increase
and performance deficiency in formulated oils. I coordinated the use
of ASTM methods, thermal analysis, rheology, microscopy, VOLOT
(Oronite internal test), CPI (proprietary internal test), GPC, and GC-
MS to investigate wax formation from base oil, gel formation,
polymerization, fuel dilution, and soot effects.
2007-2011- I was the global AEO low temperature viscometrics expert
and low temperature testing resource for Oronite VII/Technical Service
Team and AEO Product Development Team. Provided support for current
and next generation automotive crankcase engine oil formulation
development with focus on low temperature properties due to wax
formation. Used rheology to characterize aged and fuel diluted engine
oils. I managed the pour point depressant (PPD) laboratory. Hired,
trained and supervised a PPD technician. Ensured mini rotary
viscometer (MRV) units were operational. Maintained inventory and
sample library of PPD additives. Purchased and coordinated
installation of differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) for viscosity
improver index (VII) /technical service team. I initiated the use of
DSC measurements into PPD selection work in support of polymer /VII
development. Assisted Oronite global customers in PPD selection and
PPD treat rate. I functioned as liaison with PPD vendor for product
development projects, new PPD products and training for AEO
formulators and product qualification program managers.
MENTOR CORPORATION, Santa Barbara, CA 1999 -
2006
Senior Scientist
Hired and supervised of 2 chemists for GPC, HPLC and other hands-on
polymer characterization work for Corporate Laboratory (GLP
compliant); Study director for nonvolatile extractable analysis, pre-
clinical chemical testing for FDA submissions for biomedical implants
such as mammary and penile prostheses which utilize silicone and
polyurethane; Hydrogel characterization; Liaison for external lab
contract work (thermogravimetric, XRD, Raman and surface analysis);
Manufacturing support work; Extensive report writing. Over 55 reports
generated.
QUANTEGY INC. (AMPEX RECORDING MEDIA CORPORATION), Opelika, AL 1994 -
1998
Staff Polymer Scientist
Provided supervision (4-5 technicians on 3 shifts), leadership and
direction for chemical laboratory operation including raw material
testing (QC), in-process control (for magnetic inks) and hazardous
waste for magnetic tape manufacture. Conducted polyester urethane and
vinyl chloride binder characterization for thin film coatings.
Provided manufacturing process support. Was liaison for University
consultants. Utilized thermal analysis (DSC and TGA), spectroscopy
(FTIR and UV), GPC with Viscotek Triple Detector Array, for polymeric
binder characterization and tape hydrolysis kinetics. Trained
department personnel in laboratory techniques and general procedures.
WESLEY-JESSEN CORPORATION, Des Plaines, IL 1993 -
1994
Senior Research Chemist
I reduced polymerization time for molded soft contact lenses by almost
50%. I provided analytical chemistry support and manufacturing
support. I supervised technicians, temporary chemists and summer
students. Job elements included free radical polymerization, thermal
analysis (DSC and TGA), spectroscopic characterization of HEMA based
hydrogel lenses, physical characterization of hydrogel lenses,
experimental design (Design Expert software), and formulation of
monomer mixtures.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, OH Research topic:
Characterization of Long Chain Branching in Polyvinyl Acetate and Polyvinyl
Alcohol Polymers by Independent Size Measurement.
M.S. Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, OH Thesis topic: Stress
Relaxation in Networks Containing High Molecular Weight Linear Polymer
B.S. Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Chemical Society (ACS)
PUBLICATION
Effect of Viscosity Index Improvers in Ethanol/Gasoline/Water Emulsions
Formed with E25 and E85 in Passenger Car Motor Oils, P. Patel, C. Puckett,
D. George, K. Nass, SAE paper 201*-**-****, 10/25/2010.