Dan LaPera
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Versatile professional with a strong background in chemistry and team leadership. Skilled in conflict resolution and customer support, with a focus on achieving mutually-beneficial resolutions. Ready to leverage expertise in training and development to drive operational excellence.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Leader
Quaker Houghton
Eagleville, Pennsylvania
01.2022 - Current
- Conducts laboratory testing derived from ASTM, regulatory, and in-house GTMs.
- Experience with Ion Chromatography, X-ray Diffraction, FTIR, TGA, DSC, Auto-Viscometers, etc.
- Performs wet chemistry techniques such as titrations, emulsion splits, strong acid digestions.
- Trains team members and cross-group colleagues in test methods and equipment, including travel support.
- Resolved conflicts with customer accounts daily through direct contact and collaboration with commercial team.
- Travels to customer manufacturing site, sometimes internationally, to assist in conflict resolution.
- Serves as an Internal Auditor, trained on ISO 9001 and RC 14001 standards.
- Leads site Waste Management Program, ensuring facility's compliance with PA DEP/EPA regulations, and utilizes HAZWOPER training to safely dispose of hazardous waste streams.
- Performs goal-setting exercises with team members and conducts annual reviews used to determine merits, promotions, etc.
- Managed purchasing for multiple lab groups, building strong vendor relationships and implementing cost-effective solutions for laboratory needs.
- Assists team members with career development, providing the resources or support they need to explore desired paths.
Applications Chemist
Evertree Technologies
Ambler, Pennsylvania
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Formulated naturally-based adhesive extenders, designed to reduce manufacturers' reliance on conventional petroleum-based alternatives.
- Conducted product trials at customer sites in California to evaluate adhesive performance and gather user feedback.
- Completed product development training at headquarters outside Paris, France, enhancing skills for effective formulation and application development.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH10-2021
Bachelor of Science - Bio-Renewable Systems - Bioproducts Specialization
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05-2019
Skills
- Wet & Analytical Chemistry
- DEP/EPA Compliance
- ISO & RC Auditing
- Cross-functional Group Collaboration
- Employee Development
- On-Site Conflict Resolution
- Customer Support & Communication
- Adaptability in workplace
Timeline
Group Leader
Quaker Houghton
01.2022 - Current
Applications Chemist
Evertree Technologies
05.2019 - 05.2021
MBA - Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science - Bio-Renewable Systems - Bioproducts Specialization
The Pennsylvania State University