Finding the Right chemistry

Denise Grimsley, '90 B.S., spoke to students about her career as an analytical chemist with BASF as a part of the chemistry seminar series.

Standing in front of a room full of students, 1990 alumna Denise Grimsley spoke about her career at BASF, the largest chemical producer in the world. She answered questions about what she does as an analytical chemist (tests the chemical components in products), what BASF does (A former ad slogan: We don’t make all the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better), and how – through a UM-Dearborn connection – Grimsley became a 25-year employee of the international company.

Chemistry Associate Professor Craig J. Donahue invited alumni and chemistry professionals – including Grimsley – to campus to talk about their career paths, the different aspects of their jobs and how they got where they are today after graduating from University of Michigan-Dearborn with a B.S. degree in biochemistry or chemistry.

“This seminar series is designed to show our current students the real-world application of chemistry and to permit them to speak with someone who was once in their shoes,” said Donahue, who is coordinating the seminar.

Grimsley, who had Professor Donahue when she was a student, said she was honored to come back and speak at her alma mater. “Now I’m the one who’s talking about getting to do what I love to do. I wanted students to know that there is a world out there where they are going to use what they learn on this campus,” said Grimsley, who spoke on campus Feb. 20.

During her presentation, Grimsley’s story on how she became a full-time employee at BASF also captured the students’ attention – she learned of a summer internship opportunity from Chemistry Professor Ali Bazzi. “After the internship, I was hired on part-time until I finished school. When I graduated, BASF hired me full time,” she said. “I’ve learned that our professors are not only active in the classroom, they are very active in the region, too. They are well connected. These professors are some of the best and will help you succeed. Take advantage of what this campus offers.”

Upcoming seminar speakers
CHEM 497: Seminar in Chemistry is open for the campus community to attend. Presentations are from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays in the in the Science Learning and Research Center, room 1010.

• March 6 - Erich Beregszaszy ( ’14 B.S.), Troy High School, “Catalyzing a Love of Science: Teaching in the Secondary Setting.”
• March 13 - Aleica Daunter (’08 B.S.), M.D., University of Michigan Medical Center, “UM-Dearborn to MD: My Path to Rehabilitation Medicine.”
• March 20 - Ann Straccia (’92 B.S.), Ford Motor Company, “Investigation, Innovation, and Automation: Adventures of a Chemist in the Auto Industry.”
• March 27 - Lauren Hopper (’10 B.S.), Wayne State University, “Energy Transfer from Tb(III) to Eu(III) in Aqueous Solution and Modern Synthetic Approaches Toward Ligand Design.”
• April 3 - Robert Vincent (’06 B.S.), from Sigma Aldrich, “Chemical Hazards in the Workplace and Their Impact on Industrial Hygiene.”
• April 10 - Ellen Kosinki (’88 B.S.), D.V.M. from Local Relief Veterinary Service, LLC, “From Chemist to Veterinarian: Where did I go Wrong?? (Or …Right??) Choosing a path not (often) taken…”