Melanie Sprague's 25-year career has been focused on the medical industry, and her interest in medical device product development led her to "learning about the ways in which thermoplastics are used in the production of components used in medical devices for application in interventional therapies."
"After spending many years in silicone product design, my most significant experience with thermoplastics started in learning complex extrusion and catheter assembly within Spectrum Plastics Group," said Sprague, vice president of Healthcare PMO and Applications for Spectrum Plastics Group, a DuPont Business, in Tucson, Ariz.
"My role is to ensure successful onboarding and execution of development projects to bring new products to market in DuPont's health care portfolio. We support projects including product development for contract manufacturing of components and subassemblies used in the production of medical devices," she said. "My team consists of 10 project managers and engineers. I also oversee the Engineering Professional Development Program for Spectrum, which is a rotational program for a team of 12 early-career engineers."
Sprague studied at Purdue University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. She has received numerous awards in her career, including the Perseverance Award for serving dual roles as plant manager and engineering manager over a 12-month period and Outstanding Mechanical Engineer from Purdue's head of mechanical engineering. She also was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Purdue's Office of Professional Practice.
In 2020, Sprague was the first female leader to be promoted to Spectrum's leadership team.
"The leadership profile and training we completed as a leadership team indicated that I brought a unique dynamic to the team and an energy style that offered a fresh perspective. I am thankful to have paved the way for other women who have since followed and have now been promoted to the leadership team. It was a great honor to be a role model to show that women have the potential to hold a senior leadership role within my organization," Sprague said.
"My greatest career achievement is being the first in my family to hold a technical role within a major corporation, as my parents both served in community roles throughout their careers," she said. "The most rewarding achievement within my career is being able to see the products that I helped develop and manufacture positively impact the lives of patients around the world."