Michael Beck

Experience

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  Abbott

  Jul 1999 - Jul 2002

  Abbott Diagnostics Division•Drove experimental plans to support sample carryover studies on medical immunoassays crucial to development of Abbott’s AxSYM immunochemical automated analyzer technology. • Trained team members four (4) on experimental techniques and instrument operations, ensuring consistent compliance with current good laboratory practices (cGLP). • Innovated new process for managing large inventory of reagents and supplies; modified assay protocols to prevent sample carryover or cross contamination.• Built relationships and collaborated with business teams to resolve customer claims concerning assay performance.• Assumed ownership of problems until 100% customer satisfaction was achieved. Show less

  • R&D Technician

    Mar 2000 - Jul 2002

  • Validation Engineer

    Jul 1999 - Mar 2000
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  Nalco, an Ecolab Company

  Sept 2008 - Oct 2013

  Oil Sands and Produced Water research groupSpearheaded chemistry research for applications in the energy industry, collaborating with researchers, technicians, and scientists. Drove development and execution of experiments to improve efficiency and maintain asset integrity of water-treatment processes for Alberta oil sands. Built and operated pilot-scale experimental apparatus that simulated processes and operating conditions; selected and procured equipment and materials. Utilized statistical methods to compile and analyze project data.• Developed operating procedures, validated apparatus for proper function, and maintained equipment for top performance.• Designed and built pilot-scale vertical tube falling film evaporator; developed effective method for evaluating relative performance of scale inhibitors; selected and procured project equipment and materials.• Developed novel test methods that closely mirrored actual processes, providing greater accuracy during evaluation of process chemistry.• Designed and constructed pilot-scale bitumen extraction apparatus that simulated steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process; selected and procured project equipment; enabled in-house testing that saved $1M+ in outside lab costs.• Selected to serve on chemical response team, as member then leader, to assess and resolve time-critical, urgent safety incident reports for facility. Show less Air Protection Technologies research groupLed and managed capital project to design and build of process simulation laboratory custom-tailored to evaluate chemistry for air pollution abatement (SOx, Hg, HCl, etc.) in coal and/or biomass fired boilers. Launched new lab and collaborated with fellow researchers to develop and conduct experiments. Led multidisciplinary team of 10, including researchers, marketers, and facilities staff. Managed capital budget of $1.25MM.• Served as project manager for lab construction project: closely monitored project plans, schedules, budgets, and resources.• Designed lab with a process engineering focus, including design and selection of equipment.• Managed procurement and purchasing for all lab construction and equipment. • Delivered fully functional lab that included gas manifold for mixing gases continuously to create synthetic flue gas at specified flow rates, and distribution system for delivering gas to each experimental apparatus.• Programmed controllers and created program in LabVIEW to automate monitoring and operation of shut-off valves, heater and flow controllers, and related equipment; improved safety by consolidating equipment control into single, central workstation.• Built relationships and coordinated with 50+ vendors, 5 contractors, and 5 facilities staff to ensure requirements met and project completed on time. Show less

  • Senior Research Engineer

    Feb 2011 - Oct 2013

  • Senior Engineer

    Sept 2008 - Feb 2011
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  ANGUS Chemical Company

  Oct 2014 - Apr 2015

  Applications Specialist

  Led project with team of two (2) technicians to perform applications research. Developed and evaluated new additives for metalworking fluids. • Identified a candidate for a low-foaming emulsifier by exploring the structure-property relationships of emulsifiers (found new application for existing additive).• Developed tests to evaluate emulsifier stability and foaming properties of fluids.

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  Elmhurst College

  Aug 2015 - May 2017

  Adjunct Faculty

  Department of ChemistryTeach general chemistry lecture and labs to nursing students and science majors. Work with students one-on-one and in groups to facilitate critical thinking and understanding of chemistry processes. Average class size: 20-25 students.• Develop lesson plans that incorporate applied chemistry concepts as well as relate chemistry to health care. • Apply presentation and speaking skills while communicating technical concepts to non-technical individuals and groups.

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  Pentair

  Sept 2017 - now

  Research And Development Manager