GARY CHANG
Salt Lake City
Summary
With over a decade of experience in R&D, product development, and manufacturing processes, an innovative research scientist with expertise in carbon fiber composites, electrochemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and polymer chemistry. Demonstrated ability to develop scalable industrial solutions, optimize material performance, and lead cross-functional teams. Recognized for skills in mentoring junior scientists and driving research from concept to commercialization. Educational background includes a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Oxford.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Carbon Fiber Scientist
THREAD INNOVATIONS INC. Startup Developing Sustain
11.2024 - Current
- Spearheading R&D for next-generation bitumen-based carbon fiber composites, enhancing sustainability and performance
- Developing novel processing methods for improved fiber strength and thermal stability
- Leading composite product development, integrating new materials into industrial applications
- Mentoring junior researchers and fostering a collaborative research environment
Senior Research & Technology Scientist
HEXCEL CORPORATION
07.2021 - 11.2024
- Developed innovative chemical characterization methods for carbon fiber materials
- Investigated PAN carbonization mechanisms to optimize production efficiency
- Designed and optimized electrochemical surface treatment methods for carbon fiber, improving fiber-matrix adhesion
- Managed R&D chemical laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
- Collaborated with engineering teams to implement lab findings into large-scale manufacturing
Research Scientist
FORMOSA PLASTICS CORPORATION, USA
11.2017 - 06.2021
- Engineered a high-performance Ziegler-Natta catalyst, enhancing polyethylene chain branching and mechanical properties
- Successfully scaled catalyst formulation from laboratory to pilot-scale production
- Optimized catalyst morphology and manufacturing processes, leading to increased polymer quality
- Improved unit manufacturing processes, meeting complex customer demands for high-quality polyolefins
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
03.2016 - 05.2017
- Conducted fundamental research on methanol-to-olefin reaction mechanisms, providing industry-relevant insights
- Developed advanced sorption materials that increased methanol synthesis efficiency by 90%
- Researched low-pressure CO₂-to-methanol conversion, leading to novel catalysis applications
- Designed and synthesis high surface area material for small molecule adsorption
Doctoral Researcher
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
10.2011 - 02.2016
- Pioneered an in situ ATR-IR spectroelectrochemical method to analyze surface chemistry of electrocatalysts
- Investigated CO/CO₂ conversions on metal nanocatalysts and enzyme-based systems
- Explored formic acid and methanol oxidation mechanisms for fuel cell applications
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Inorganic Chemistry
University of Oxford
Oxford, England02-2016
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Chemistry
National Taiwan University
06-2010
Skills
- Research & Development
- Process & Product Development
- Project Management
- Carbon Fiber Composite
- Electrochemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Heterogeneous Catalysis
- Polymer Chemistry
- Material Characterization
- Chemical Synthesis
- Advanced Data Analysis
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Industrial Process Scale-Up
- Technical Report Writing
- Laboratory & Manufacturing Safety
- Technical Leadership
Certification
- Global Supervisor Training (Hemsley Fraser)
- Green Belt Six Sigma
- AI for Everyone (Coursera)
Affiliations
- Society of Plastics Engineers – Member
- International Society of Electrochemistry – Member
- American Chemical Society (ACS) – Member
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) – Member
Languages
English
Full Professional
Mandarin Chinese
Native or Bilingual
Selected Publications And Patents
- Carbon monoxide activation and poisoning on metallic and enzymatic sites: a new ATR-IR spectroelectrochemical approach, DPhil thesis, University of Oxford, 06/01/16
- Dynamic modification of pore opening of SAPO-34 by adsorbed surface methoxy species during induction of catalytic methanol-to-olefins reactions, Applied Catalysis B, 03/01/18, 237, 245-250
- Carbon Fibers for High-Temperature Applications, SAMPE Journal, 03/01/24
- CARBOXYLATE SALTS OF AMINE COMPOUNDS AS SIZING AGENTS, US Patent Application, 63/743,745
Technical Skills
Electrochemical Techniques: Rotating Disc Electrode, Cyclic Voltammetry, Chronoamperometry, Linear Sweep Voltammetry
Material Synthesis & Characterization: FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRF, XRD, SEM, TGA/DSC, TPD, TPR/O, BET, Chemisorption
Polymer & Composite Analysis: GPC, CFC, DSC, DMA
Analytical Chemistry: GC, HPLC, Organic Synthesis, Chemical Separation & Purification
Timeline
Lead Carbon Fiber Scientist
THREAD INNOVATIONS INC. Startup Developing Sustain
11.2024 - Current
Senior Research & Technology Scientist
HEXCEL CORPORATION
07.2021 - 11.2024
Research Scientist
FORMOSA PLASTICS CORPORATION, USA
11.2017 - 06.2021
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
03.2016 - 05.2017
Doctoral Researcher
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
10.2011 - 02.2016
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Inorganic Chemistry
University of Oxford
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Chemistry
National Taiwan University
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