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Meet Dr. William Clark - Director of the Professional Master’s Program (PMP) and the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering

I have the privilege of serving as the Director of the Professional Master’s Program (PMP) in the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering at my alma mater, Purdue University. My journey with Purdue began in 1978 when I first set foot on this campus to pursue my bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. However, my career path took an unexpected turn when I decided to attend medical school to become a doctor, specializing in nephrology. Despite this detour, my passion for chemical engineering persisted, and I eventually earned a master's degree in chemical engineering from Purdue, in addition to my medical training.

After spending over 20 years in the medical device field, specifically in the dialysis industry, I made the decision to return to academia in 2017. Since 2019, I have been serving as the Director of the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering Professional Master’s Program as a proud alumnus of this esteemed institution.

The master’s program that I oversee is designed for students who wish to combine their knowledge of chemical engineering and process expertise with business and management acumen. Regardless of their experience in the industry, the program caters to the diverse needs and interests of our students. Our current curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for early transitions in technical management tracks of  engineering. Students have ample opportunities to interact with faculty and learn from their research or industry experiences. With different concentrations available, students can focus and specialize in the engineering sector that aligns with their career vision. Our capstone program provides valuable real-world experience, validating their learning and skills in a professional setting.

Being ranked among the top 5 graduate engineering programs in the US, Purdue University is widely recognized as an innovative institution with a global brand. The university not only sets our students up for success in their professional journey but also connects them with a wide network of alumni across different sectors, not only in the United States but also around the world. We believe that learning and career growth are not always linear, which is why we encourage students to attend professional development seminars to learn from speakers and chart their own unique career paths using the best information and resources available.

The PMP at Purdue offers flexibility and abundant learning opportunities while fostering an environment where personal growth is at the forefront. As a prospective student, if you have any questions or doubts, please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally. I welcome everyone to join us at Purdue so we build a successful future together.
 

 

Meet Julayne Moser - 38 Years of Service and Passion for Student Success at Purdue

With 38 years of service, commitment and hard work with graduate offices across Purdue Engineering, Julayne Moser is currently the Senior Program Manager for the Professional MS program in the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. Julayne is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University, where she earned both bachelor's and master's degrees. She has been a member of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) since 1994, where she has served on the ASEE Board of Directors, received the Joseph M. Biedenbach award for Distinguished Service, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Continuing Professional Development Division. Purdue has been supportive and celebratory throughout her journey, acknowledging every achievement and milestone along the way.

Apart from professional endeavors, Julayne is also actively involved in the theatre and arts community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Lafayette Civic Theatre for the past 7 years. She noted that working with the Civic Theatre has surrounded her with incredible talent and creativity, and it’s been an incredible learning experience. Julayne noted that one of her greatest joys in working with students is witnessing their growth toward graduation. She has come to cherish the opportunity to build lifelong connections with students.

Julayne’s message to current and prospective students is to challenge yourself and embrace the unknown. Learning stops when one becomes comfortable, and students should strive to solve problems in unique ways. Students need to be aware and trust that those working in student services roles are truly caring and invested in helping them succeed. Beyond completing the degree, Julayne commented that the Professional MS program values students who are eager to grow, evolve, and embrace the learning process. Students learn more from graduate school than anticipated, by maximizing their experiences while they are on campus by participating in social and student organizations, becoming involved in opportunities provided by the School and being active in the community.

 

 

Meet Beverly Mentzer – Industrial Career Coach and Mentor at Purdue

After working over 30 years for ExxonMobil, in positions from entry-level chemical engineer to Vice President, I realized that sharing my extensive industry experience would greatly benefit aspiring young minds. I embarked on this journey by volunteering at Purdue University's Center for Career Opportunities, and later joined the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering as an Industrial Career Counselor. One of the aspects I find most enjoyable about my job is establishing connections with the students and witnessing their progress as they work towards achieving their dream careers.

My approach to coaching students is highly interactive. We commence with an Industry Job Search Workshop during orientation, providing important strategies and acquainting them with the various resources available at Purdue. Subsequently, students schedule one-on-one appointments with me, during which I assist them in personally crafting and refining their resumes, cover letters and job interview skills.

For highest impact, I advise students to prove their unique skills to recruiters with specific examples. They can then customize their cover letters to highlight the key strengths mentioned in each specific job description. I emphasize the importance of not only showcasing their technical skills, but also demonstrating their non-technical transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability and communications. I strongly encourage students to engage in campus and community extracurricular activities whenever possible, as these experiences contribute to their professional development.

By sharing industry insights and recommendations like these, we empower students to excel in interviews and secure positions that fully utilize their capabilities. I invite all PMP Chemical Engineering students to reach out to me and explore how you can chart the most effective career trajectory for yourself.

 

 

 

Meet Ray Mentzer – Professor of Engineering Practice and Executive Director of Purdue Process Safety and Assurance Center

With nearly three decades of experience donning various hats within the workforce at ExxonMobil, I made a pivotal decision to embark on a new journey in academia. My transition led me to Texas A&M University, where I initially began as a dedicated educator and researcher, delivering guest lectures at Purdue University along the way. I had received  my  Ph.D.  at Purdue University, and it wasn't long before I began teaching at Purdue and became the Co-Director of the Purdue Process Safety & Assurance Center.  Both the course and research are focused on the crucial subject of preventing significant industrial disasters.

What sets this class apart is its distinctiveness in terms of syllabus, content, and the manner in which we dissect real-world case studies to extract invaluable lessons. It equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to design facilities and proactively avert catastrophic industrial accidents. Furthermore, it provides them with  industry know-how, a valuable asset that has consistently opened doors to employment opportunities and facilitated solutions to process safety challenges in their workplaces.

For me, the most gratifying aspect of my role lies in mentoring and nurturing the next generation of professionals. Working closely with students, guiding them one-on-one, and helping them achieve their aspirations is a fulfilling endeavor. Witnessing their growth as they acquire the essential skills required for success in the corporate world is truly rewarding. In my view, the capstone project represents a pivotal juncture in their educational journey here at Purdue. It's where they learn to effectively communicate, collaborate, and devise solutions for real-world problems. The capstone experience serves as a catalyst, preparing them for a future filled with promise, and I cannot emphasize its significance enough.

Speaking from my own experience, the Professional Master's Program (PMP) offers a multitude of compelling benefits. Not only does it enable you to become a Boilermaker, but it also provides an opportunity to delve deeply into your chosen field of study, fortifying your knowledge and expertise for the future. The program's strong ties with industry have consistently fostered and accelerated countless careers, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to build a sturdy knowledge bridge to their professional pursuits.

In conclusion, I believe it's not just a program; it's a pathway to success and a vibrant community where industry and academia converge to shape the leaders of tomorrow.