Isabel Meza
Midland
Summary
Knowledgeable and passionate Environmental Engineer with robust background in research methodologies and data analysis. Successfully led multiple research projects, contributing to significant advancements in field. Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving and critical thinking, consistently delivering high-quality insights.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Specialist
The Dow Chemical Company
08.2022 - Current
- Technical Service & Development (TS&D) in Dow Silicone's Manufacturing (Application leader for a new Corrosion Under Insulation Coating -NPV $34M)
- Evaluated emerging technologies, recommending adoption for enhanced research capabilities.
- Presented findings at industry conferences, establishing thought leadership within the chemical research community.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders by presenting concise reports on research progress and outcomes at regular intervals.
- Identified new opportunities for collaboration with external research partners, expanding the organization''s network and resources.
- Laboratory work, analytical applications, research, report writing
- Led cross-functional research teams to innovate and develop new chemical products.
- Streamlined data analysis processes, enhancing accuracy and efficiency of research findings.
- Mentored junior researchers, fostering skills in experimental design and analytical techniques.
Research Assistant, Civil Engineering
University of New Mexico
01.2018 - 07.2022
- Development of immobilization technology for uranium (U) and arsenic from U abandoned mine sites to enable health risk reduction for Native American Communities in the western US
- Synthesized and characterized pure uranyl arsenates (UAs): NaUAs and KUAs (purity is required to obtain calorimetry measurements) applying the diffusion method (methodology learned working with the top uranyl synthesis research group in Notre Dame,-Indiana)
- Characterized UAs integrating spectroscopy, microscopy, and water chemistry.
- Measured enthalpy of formation measurements with a high-temperature oxide-melt calorimeter
- Determined the solubility product UAs by solubility experiments, chemical equilibrium, and kinetic modeling.
- Participated in radiation safety training and uranium monthly surveys
- Conducted literature reviews to support research projects and ensure comprehensive data collection.
- Assisted in designing experiments, contributing to innovative methodologies and approaches.
- Analyzed data sets using statistical software, enhancing accuracy of research findings.
- Mentored undergraduate students in research techniques, fostering academic growth and skill development.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative research methodologies and strategies.
- Synthesized complex information into clear summaries to make findings accessible to diverse audiences.
- Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
Co-op, Project Director
Alternativa VisionAmbiental
09.2020 - 02.2022
- Environmental consultant for the “Diagnosis on the use, presence in products, possible replacement of industrial Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and construction of the inventory and action plan of new substances, with emphasis on the Ecuadorian industrial sector
- Lead the project’s planning and negotiation with the laboratories for the analysis
- Participated in the discussion, result analyses, and results’ presentation to stakeholders
Co-op, Independent Consultant
Ecuadorian Environmental Ministry
07.2014 - 01.2022
- Development of an EMP’s for different industries in Ecuador
- Led the planning and audit of the EMP and execution of a recycling and poultry facility
- Responsible consultant for the information presented to the Environmental Ministry
- Lead and communicated the Social Responsibility Plan for a recycling facility
- Analyzed environmental data to inform strategic decision-making and regulatory compliance initiatives.
- Conducted stakeholder engagement sessions to foster collaboration on environmental conservation efforts.
- Oversaw training programs for staff on sustainable practices and regulatory requirements, enhancing team expertise.
- Collaborated with governmental agencies to align environmental regulations with national sustainability goals.
Intern
EA Engineering, Science, & Technology, Inc.
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Field and office work in several cleanup projects and reports
- Groundwater, well water, air, and soil sampling
- Quality Control of environmental reports/results for private and public organizations
Natl Environmental Coordinator
INCINEROX (Haz-Waste Management)
10.2017 - 01.2018
- Legal compliance and specific environmental projects in Ecuador
- Led the planning and audit of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and execution of this hazardous-waste management company that included the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), solids leachate treatment from the landfill, furnace air emissions, and maintenance
- Participated and communicated the Social Responsibility Plan to stakeholders
- Coordinated all the Environmental Department of the company nationwide (3000 employees)
- 3 mo
National Environmental Coordinator
DANEC S.A.
07.2014 - 03.2017
- International and national legal compliance for palm oil industry plantation including the obtainment of the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certification to export palm oil to Europe
- Led the planning, audit, and execution of DANEC’s EMP that included the WWTP, chemical leachate from the fertilizers to the river or to the soil, and palm oil extraction process.
- Participated in communicating the Social Responsibility Plan to stakeholders
Integrated Management Systems Coordinator
ADELCA C.A.
09.2010 - 06.2014
- Legal compliance in Ecuador for selling construction rods, rebars, and steel materials for construction. ADELCA requires having international standards from the International Standards Organization (ISO)
- Led the project that replaced inefficient domestic refrigerators with UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and started a CFC (chlorofluorocarbon gases) recovery
- Led the certification, recertification, and audits of the integrated management system: Quality Control, Environmental, and Safety Standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 18001)
- Participated in the design and implementation of the wire rusting-cleaning process WWTP
- 45 mo
Strategic Approach for Int. Chemicals Management Coordinator
SAICM
10.2009 - 08.2010
- SAICM was adopted as a United Nations policy framework to promote chemical safety around the world
- Led the liaison between the United Nations, the Ecuadorian Environmental Ministry, and stakeholders (Agrochemical and Farmers National Association, agrochemical users-producers, etc.) for research, analysis, and planning for better management of chemicals in the country
- Prepared two-year plan that included workshops with international experts and local stakeholders, and the inventory of the chemicals used in the country
- 10 mo
Intern, Electrofishing Crew
Muncie Bureau of Water Quality
05.2008 - 08.2008
- Sampled and identified White River fish populations to obtain Analyzed Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) and Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) scores.
Education
PhD - Environmental Engineering
University of New Mexico (UNM)
Albuquerque, NM07.2022
MSc - Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Ball State University (BSU)
Muncie, IN05.2009
BS - Environmental Engineering
Universidad San Francisco De Quito (USFQ)
Quito, Ecuador05.2007
Environmental Engineering (exchange student)
Oregon State University (OSU)
Corvallis, OR05.2005
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Qualitative research
- Problem-solving abilities
- Experimental design
- Focus group facilitation
- Intellectual property research
- Data collection
- Research design
- Data interpretation
- Training and mentoring
Accomplishments
- Achieved first sales for new Corrosion Under Insulation Coating through effectively helping with application in industrial assets.
- Collaborated with team of 8 in the development of Sprayed Thermal Insulation Coating project.
- STAR of Tomorrow Award - Corporate from Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
Affiliations
1. Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) at Dow, like Young Research Community (YRC), Hispanic Latin Network (HLN) since 2022
2. Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) since 2020
3. Vice president of Parents Teacher Association at Monte Vista Elementary in 2019
4. American Vacuum Society (AVS) since 2019.
5. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) since 2019.
6. Global Education Office volunteer program since 2018.
7. Member of American Chemical Society (ACS) since 2018
8. Member of the College of Civil Engineers of Ecuador, Licensed Engineer since 2009
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
French
Limited Working
Scholarships Honors Awards
- Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association-American Water Works Association (RMEA-AWWA)- Tony Campman Grant, 2500, 2022
- Linda Jennett Fellowship, 4000, 2021
- Sabrina Scholarship, 500, 2020
- Robert E & Evelyn McKee Scholarship, 500, 2021
- Raza Student Mentor Scholarship, 300, 2020
- Ida Romero Scholarship, 500, 2020
- (RMEA-AWWA)- Tony Campman Grant, 2500, 2020
- Linda Jennett Fellowship, 1500, 2020
- Graduate and Professional Student Association Summer Grant, 500, 2019
- Third place Flash Talk Presentation, 2019
- Recognition Best Graduate student of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, 2009
- Clyde W. Hibbs of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management Scholarship, 2009
- Student scholarship internal Ball State University for development of projects/thesis, 2007
- Scholarship G. Mendel from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, 2001
Mentorship And Teaching Experience
- Mentor, Mentor undergraduate and co-op students in a laboratory setting to enrich their silicon resins research experience., Lyndsey Rzeszutko, Sydney Trudo
- Mentor, Mentoring PhD applicants in BEST Symposium at Dow., Amie Sankoh, James Nyakuchena, Javier Mena Garcia, Ronnie Garcia
- Research Mentor, Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in a laboratory setting to enrich their research experience., Kaelin Gagnon, Jasmine Quimbao, Narayan Acharya
- Teaching Assistant, ME 530 Fluid Mechanics, 2021-09-01, 2021-12-31, Taught the principles of fluid mechanics and mentored a group of 40 students through laboratory projects.
- Graduate Assistant, NREM 101 Environment and Society, NREM 211 Water Resources, NREM 221 Soil Resources, NREM 415 Water Quality Management, 2007-08-01, 2009-05-31, Set up and taught laboratories, organized field trips, and graded reports.
Professional Leadership And Service
- Co-chair, Women Chemist Committee of American Chemical Society (ACS) Midland-Michigan Section, 2022-01-01, Present, Building networking and fostering connections between industry and academic organizations with a strong emphasis on women in STEM.
- Co-chair, Young Research Community (YRC), 2024-01-01, Present, Support more than 24 activities that built relationships within early-career Research & Development population.
- Workshop and Volunteer Co-organizer, Silicone Innovation Conference, Dow, 2023
- Event Coordinator/Activities Chair, Rocky Mountain Environment Association and American Water Works Association (RMEA-AWWA), 2018-01-01, Present, Participated in the organization of monthly webinars and outreach for high schools.
- Trainee, METALS/Health Sciences Center Superfund Research Center, 2018-01-01, 2022-12-31, Participated/organized workshops/conferences in U decontamination from Native American Communities.
Memberships And Community Service
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) at Dow, 2022-01-01, Present
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), 2020-01-01, Present
- Vice President, Parents Teacher Association at Monte Vista Elementary, 2019-01-01, Present, Event organization for kids and parents.
- American Vacuum Society (AVS), 2019-01-01, Present
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE), 2019-01-01, Present
- Global Education Office volunteer program, 2018-01-01, Present, Participated in making lunches at the Ronald McDonald House.
- American Chemical Society (ACS), 2018-01-01, Present
- College of Civil Engineers of Ecuador, 2009-01-01, Present, Licensed Engineer since 2009.
PATENTS AND PUBLICATIONS
- 2 Active patent applications
- 7 Publications in peer-reviewed international journals (4 as lead author), including the following publications from doctorate work
- Environ. Sci. Technol. 2024, 58 (34), 15138-15146
- Environ. Sci. Technol. 2023, 57 (49), 20881-20892
- Chemical Geology, 2023, 636, 121642
- Sci. Technol. 2022, 57 (1), 255-265
- Environ. Sci. Technol. 2021, 55, 23, 16246–16
- Environ. Sci. Technol. 2020, 54, 7,3979-398
- IUP Journal of Soil & Water Science 2010, 3, (1), 7-10
- 8 Dow Technical reports
- 10 oral conference presentations
Timeline
Senior Research Specialist
The Dow Chemical Company
08.2022 - Current
Intern
EA Engineering, Science, & Technology, Inc.
06.2021 - 08.2021
Co-op, Project Director
Alternativa VisionAmbiental
09.2020 - 02.2022
Research Assistant, Civil Engineering
University of New Mexico
01.2018 - 07.2022
Natl Environmental Coordinator
INCINEROX (Haz-Waste Management)
10.2017 - 01.2018
Co-op, Independent Consultant
Ecuadorian Environmental Ministry
07.2014 - 01.2022
National Environmental Coordinator
DANEC S.A.
07.2014 - 03.2017
Integrated Management Systems Coordinator
ADELCA C.A.
09.2010 - 06.2014
Strategic Approach for Int. Chemicals Management Coordinator
SAICM
10.2009 - 08.2010
Intern, Electrofishing Crew
Muncie Bureau of Water Quality
05.2008 - 08.2008
Environmental Engineering (exchange student)
Oregon State University (OSU)
PhD - Environmental Engineering
University of New Mexico (UNM)
MSc - Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Ball State University (BSU)
BS - Environmental Engineering
Universidad San Francisco De Quito (USFQ)