Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Chika Eneh

I earned my M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 2020 and 2023, respectively. I currently work at Dow as a Technical Service & Development (TS&D) Engineer supporting the Packaging and Specialty Plastics business. In my role, I serve as the interface between R&D and our customers, helping translate innovative material technologies into practical, customer-focused solutions. My work involves application development and testing, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and partnering with customers to solve technical challenges as well as advance technical practices, and deliver products that create value for both businesses and consumers.

My time at Texas A&M provided a strong technical foundation while helping me develop skills that I rely on every day. Beyond conducting research, graduate school taught me how to think critically, communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences, and lead collaborative projects. These experiences have been invaluable in an industry setting, where success depends not only on technical expertise but also on teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to translate scientific innovation into real-world impact.

Outside the lab, I served on the ChEGSA Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC), where I had the opportunity to collaborate with peers, advocate for graduate students, and strengthen my leadership and communication skills.

My advice to current graduate students is to remember that graduate school is not only about the research you complete, but also about the skills and relationships you build along the way. Be open to new opportunities, learn from those around you, and don’t be afraid to explore different career paths.