Behold, the Evolving Engineer!

Chemical Engineering, like any other discipline of engineering, is anything but stagnant; as the world’s problems become more complex, engineers are forced to refine their techniques and methodologies. This past Wednesday, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) offered a presentation titled “The Evolving Engineer” to prospective chemical engineers, interested scholars, and even freshman students seeking E101 credit.

AIChE president Palash Mehta gave a warm introduction to those who made the trek to Hayden Lounge despite the inclement weather, and soon handed off the program to Peter Sibiliski, representative of the North Jersey section of the AIChE. He received his Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from NJIT and earned his Masters in Business Administration and a Professional Engineering certificate. Sibiliski now works as a plant manager at Pharmetic Manufacturing. His expertise added to his presentation, which focused on the new skills that engineers should try to incorporate into their education, work, and problem-solving methods.

Sibiliski discussed certain technical skills additionally; chemical engineers should seek to be innovative, attain three-dimensional expertise, and understand the global business perspective, he said. According to Sibilski, students who only focus on the core curriculm of engineering will soon learn that it is with the addition of the aforementioned abilities that they will find success. He also discussed how the ability to comprehend the social and political climate has become an important skill. “Political and social issues are becoming increasingly important constraints in engineering design problems. Look at sustainability as a good example of this,” he said.

Sibiliski then invited Robert Lucas, Robert Rossi, Katherine Gawal, and Philip Apruzzese to participate in a discussion panel, in which all four had the chance to discuss their own unique experiences in the chemical engineering profession. Lucas, now a Global Business Manager at Infineum, appealed to the college students in the audience trying to figure out what they want to do after graduation. He said, “My beginnings were very traditional, but it was a really great way to figure out what I wanted to do.” He suggested exploring the various career options that a chemical engineer may have; his exploration brought him to his current position at Infineum, where he now sells products and components that go into fuel.

Robert Rossi, a semi-retired Process Engineering consultant at Carbon Engineering in Alberta, was the next speaker to talk. He has been working ever since his graduation from NJIT and believes that as a chemical engineer, he “joined a very good profession, in terms of employment.” He encouraged that students “take advantage of every opportunity” and network whenever possible. “Getting to know people face to face … and letting the employer know that you have value is so important.” He echoed Sibiliski’s emphasis on understanding global business perspectives. Rossi also talked about his opportunities during his work in more than 30 different countries, which he said broadened his sensitivity to different cultures.

Katherine Gawel, who majored in chemical engineering at Penn State, spoke next. She said her “love for food and engineering” brought her to Mondelez International. She highly encouraged developing deeper technical expertise by joining a professional organization. She said she earned her job because she was so involved in engineering outside the workforce, specifically as the chairperson of her chapter of AIChE.

Phil Apruzzese, a Stevens graduate and now a semi-retired Environmental Consultant for Pleasant Hill Consultants, previously worked in pharmaceuticals for 40 years. He stressed the importance of chemical engineers working with people outside of their discipline. His advice was intended for any individual pursuing an engineering career: “Make it clear that you are going to communicate and work within the regulatory confinements. It’s essential.”

Sibiliski, along with the four panelists, gave an extensive overview of the many avenues that a chemical engineer can take. However, because world problems are getting more complex, engineering as a whole must approach such problems with a new mindset. Lo and behold, the evolving engineer!