Sherrika Sanders' first plastics role was with Dow Chemical Co. in 2006 in the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group. She'd earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana and a doctoral degree in inorganic chemistry from the University of Houston. Sanders was approached by a Dow recruiter during her poster presentation at the Inorganic Chemistry Gordon Research Conference.
"This particular job piqued my interest because I could continue the same type of science I had been doing during my post-doc, but with contributions to consumer goods," she said.
Sanders said her greatest achievement has been earning her Ph.D.
"That single sacrifice that I made so long ago to dedicate my time, efforts and energy to science has opened so many doors for me and my family. It continues to provide a platform to launch my new ideas, technology and programs for community engagement," Sanders said.
Now a senior technical engineer at McKinney, Texas-based PVC compounder Manner Polymers LP, Sanders handles product development and customer technical service, including collecting and recording test data, evaluating new raw materials, assisting customers on their factory floor, performing diagnostic testing, and assisting the manufacturing and quality department with internal troubleshooting.
Sanders' career highlights include co-creating the Girl Scouts Wonders of Polymer Science patch; being honored with the Hidden Figures of Dallas award by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, and National Society of Black Engineers; being appointed to the Society of Plastics Engineers' Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board; and receiving numerous accolades from Dow, Inorganic Chemistry Gordon Research Conference and Sandia National Laboratories.
She is actively involved with SPE, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Jack and Jill of America Inc. and the Xavier University Alumni Association.
Sanders and her husband, John, are passionate about "leveling the playing field" for underrepresented minorities. Five years ago, they started an annual scholarship to a freshman minority student attending a historically Black college and university. They received the Trailblazer Award from the Dymensions Education Foundation for their support and work.
"I am bound and determined to create access to STEM careers for all," Sanders said. "In a child's mind, if you can see it, you can be it. Therefore, I make myself accessible and available to students who possess the 'STEM bug.' It is my mission to change the lives of those kids who are on a negative trajectory to something positive. I take any blow this industry has to offer in order to prepare a seat at the table for them."
