The best advice Jason Upthegrove has received is to be open to opportunities. For years he thought he wanted to work in the medical field, but after graduating from Xavier University in Cincinnati with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and minor in chemistry, Upthegrove decided to pursue a different career working in a lab.
"My first 'adult' job was a quality lab technician with Baerlocher USA. At that time, it was important for me to pursue a career that would fulfill my love of doing hands-on lab work. Working in the quality group allowed for me to expand my skills in analytical chemistry, which would later help me in my position in Baerlocher's applications lab," he said.
In 2022, he became an applications lab specialist, which allowed him to begin doing research and development work for the polyolefins business unit. It has been his greatest achievement so far, he said.
Upthegrove was promoted to rigid PVC technical specialist in 2023, currently developing metal stabilizers and lubricant packages.
"In my current role as a rigid PVC technical specialist, I'm becoming more involved with understanding our manufacturing facility. In collaborating with the production and engineering teams, I'm learning what critical information is necessary when scaling up to a production run," he said.
"The challenges I face on a regular basis involve the complexities of formulating these materials. PVC is unlike other polymers, and this adds an interesting layer of intrigue when developing new products," he said.
Upthegrove added: "The PVC recycling market intrigues me quite a bit. There are many challenges faced, including procurement and processing, and I'm excited to see how the industry adapts to the needs of this market."
To expand the plastics industry's efforts in diversity and inclusion, Upthegrove said it needs to understand the youth entering the industry.
"The world is changing quickly, and with a lot of uncertainty, and I believe that being open to perspectives that would have traditionally been ignored will create a more inviting space," he said.
Upthegrove said what surprises him most about plastics is the versatility.
"I think that this allows for an opportunity to grow into a career that can take you in a seemingly endless amount of directions," he said.
"I would tell someone entering the plastics industry to not be afraid to say yes to new opportunities," Upthegrove added. "As scientists, discovery and innovation only happen when we're open to looking outside of the box."