Devon is an Environmental Engineer at the global Petrochemical company LyondellBasell (LYB). Despite being full time for just under three years, she now owns, manages, and maintains the environmental data for about 95 LyondellBasell worksites in over 20 countries across the globe. She works very closely with LYB’s ESG Reporting and Sustainability teams, as this data is a key piece of their annual sustainability report, as well as a myriad of other ESG disclosures and frameworks. Currently, she’s the subject-matter-expert (SME) for efforts such as preparing for CSRD and assurance audits, transitioning LYB’s data annual collection to quarterly, and building out LYB’s strategy towards meeting their 2030+ sustainability goals. This role involves working and collaborating with engineers worldwide, demands understanding of each nation’s specific regulations at both federal and local levels, and requires a blend of technical expertise and strong cross-functional collaboration skills.

“I kept telling people that I would love to get involved, and then -- suddenly I'm not just involved, I’m leading an entire global program, literally sitting next to managers with 10x my experience. Sometimes I become just a little too self-aware, and I’m like, ‘how in the world did I get here?’ But it's been amazing so far, and it’s given me a lot of really good experience,” Devon shares.

Devon’s tendency to get involved and her love for Purdue led her to become LYB’s Purdue Recruiting Team Captain. While on campus in early September for Purdue career fairs like the Industrial Roundtable, Devon shared how her positive experiences have inspired her to give back and empower passionate students looking for opportunities. Her overlapping roles as recruiter and alumni led to the suggestion of an EEE Company Night, which successfully debuted this year. Devon and & LYB were of course, in attendance.

“I love talking with students! When you have students that are excited, either about the company, what you can offer them, or about something they've done, you can see them just light up. That moment is so fulfilling,” she shares.

Not that long ago, Devon herself was the excited student. Born in Canada and raised in Massachusetts, she describes her younger self as always being outside, somewhat dirty, often riding horses or playing with animals, and developing a growing love for the outdoors. After high school, Devon set out to become an environmental engineer with high program standards. For her, it was “environmental or bust.”

“When I thought, ‘what do I actually want to commit to doing for like, 40 years?’ Putting the environment at the center was just a very natural and organic choice. I see it every day; I'm affected by it. Environmental issues and climate change are always going to be complex, ever-changing problems,” she says.

After considering different programs, Devon chose Purdue EEE because of its personal feel, empowering coursework, and its distinction from other engineering programs. She entered as a first-year engineer with EEE in mind and never wavered from that path. Eventually, at the very same career fair she recruits at today, Devon was offered a co-op at LYB that eventually led to her full-time role.

Devon has found that saying “yes” to the right opportunities often leads to even more opportunities. Recently, through her professional connections and visible passion, she was nominated as one of the 2024 Responsible Care and Sustainability Future Leaders as recognized by the American Chemical Council (ACC). This prestigious accomplishment enrolls her in a year-long program, allowing her to travel across the country to various conferences, bootcamps, and workshops, learn from industry leaders in sustainability, grow professionally, and network with other young professionals.

“I am really honored to be a part of this program. It’s a great opportunity. It feels good to have my career taking off like this, especially when I could have never pictured this two, three years ago” Devon says. “If you’re visibly passionate and just a little charismatic, your colleagues will look out for you, and they’ll steer you towards opportunities that can quite literally change your life, or at least your career. Never underestimate the value of good colleagues, a collaborative culture, and strong personal relationships – trust is huge.”

Taking the reins of various opportunities is what Devon is all about, and it has led her to tremendous success. In a moment of mentorship, Devon shares her advice to students seeking direction: “Find a pillar in your career so that no matter what role you're in, no matter what place in your life, there is always something there to stabilize you.”

For Devon, that pillar is the environment. She says, “At the end of the day, I am just grateful to be in this field. No matter what role I am in, or what opportunities do or don’t come, I know it will always feel like I'm contributing to something positive.”

When Devon isn't working, you can find her on an adventure. Devon loves hiking and being outdoors. This is her on top of Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado.