polymer scientist/ Engineer
Resume:
HANNA LEKOVIC
Troy, MI 48098 ********@*****.***
POLYMER SCIENTIST/ ENGINEER
Adhesives/Sealants Coatings Elastomers Foams
Results–oriented Polymers Scientist who combines innovative vision creating product and processes, communication and leadership helping achieve business results. Leadership expertise in strategic planning, product strategy, innovative product development and team leadership building to meet and exceed customer needs.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Project management
• Product creation • Manufacturing support
• Problem analysis • Rubber compounding
• Polyester technology
• Team leadership • Polyurethane / Hybrid technology • Composites
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sika Corporation, Madison Heights, Michigan 2001-2010
RESEARCH SCIENTIST -Domestic Business Support
Responsible for developing and implementing solutions to process improvement maintaining high material quality and retaining customer satisfaction with bulk applied bonding and sealing technology. Responsibilities included leading a team of two chemists and two technicians.
• Created alternative process for compounding bulk applied adhesive /sealer with 20% savings in cycle time reduction.
• Incorporated alternative supplies minimizing material cost across self-adhering sealer brands for metal construction business. Average cost savings 15%.
• Provided planning and execution of laboratory projects in collaboration with team assisting with the scale-up and commercialization of new products.
• Established correlation method between customer specification and internal test capability assuring compliance with requirements and regulations.
RESEARCH SCIENTIST-Product Development Corporate
Led the research and development of the rubber based adhesives and baffles and polyurethane acoustic baffle foams strengthening companies core products and technologies and increasing market share. Managed activities of the team to assure goals are met on time and on budget.
• Researched prior art in acoustic polyurethanes and rubber adhesives to define relevant patent landscape for new proprietary developments.
• Improved adhesion properties of adhesive/baffles (dual layer system) assuring 100% sealing capability and no delimitation in most rigorous bake designs (inverted bake).
• Co-developed and launched low MDI acoustic polyurethane foam with major Polyurethane supplier for noise reduction-patent is pending.
• Identified alternative rubber supplier and opportunities for cost reduction, granting alternative approvals.
• Developed adhesive/sealer for new domestic automobile manufacturer achieving approval and line conversion in less than a year.
Akzo Nobel, Troy, Michigan 1995-2001
SENIOR CHEMIST (1999-2001)
Responsible for the refinish paint systems focusing on surface preparation methodology for long lasting protection in line of class A paint.
• Conducted paint system durability study with focus on metal preparation and protection trial run on lab level and in industry size refinish booth.
• Formulated low VOC primers to match requirements and regulations on the global scale.
• Evaluated paint system to match regulatory and customer requirements. Hands on application technique, and field evaluation knowledge.
• Wrote release proposal for new/improved products and provided transition from lab transfer to pilot and to production scale up.
RESEARCH CHEMIST (1995- 1999)
Led new development of architectural coatings delivering top quality for high end and top of the line Sikkens brands. Managed and directly supervised activities of two technicians.
• Formulated exterior wood finish with lasting beauty and durability unmatched by competition.
• Developed and released a new wood and vinyl finish with superb stain resistance.
• Developed interior waterborne wood finish high gloss and satin finish for broad market needs.
• Facilitated color matching assuring transferred formulas in production achieves 98 plus percent color match first time.
• Supported manufacturing processing to achieve high throughput volume and eliminating non value added steps.
Polymer Institute -University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan 1990-1995
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (1990-1995)
Investigated kinetics and mechanism of isocyanate based reactions, structure-property relationship study establishing platform for new developments via contract research sponsored by local industry.
Polyurethane foams
• Developed fuel resistant polyurethane foams and rigid foams for thermal insulation. (United technology & Cytec)
• Evaluated the impact of plasticizers for reducing firmness of MDI based flexible foams. (Monsanto Company)
Elastomers
• Developed thermoplastic and cast elastomers studying the impact of hydroxyl terminated polyethylene-butylene oligomers and alike. (Amoco & Shell)
• Supported other research teams with hands on formulating and evaluating polyurethane elastomers, structure property relationship and improving durability.
Adhesives
• Synthesized Polyoxazolidone (Polyurethane hybrid) for structural adhesives and foams delivering excellent heat resistance. (Northrop Corporation).
• Formulated thermoplastic adhesives with improved solution stability and achieving extended shelf life. (Consulting with Industry from Mexico).
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Polymer Chemistry
University of Detroit - Detroit, MI
Bachelor’s Degree, Chemistry Major
University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
US CITIZEN
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