Undergraduate Summer Internship : ExxonMobil

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:23:07 -0400
internship, research, student-highlight, summer-2022, ug, ug-research, ugrad

Catherine Wraback, '23 chemical engineering - traditional track

Internship Location:

ExxonMobil, Houston, TX

What is the focus of your research/internship?

This summer, I worked in the Gas-Phase Polyethylene Process Technology group at ExxonMobil in Houston, TX. My main project focus was on running the pilot plant units to test next generation catalyst systems to form new grades of polyethylene with different material properties. I compared design, operation, and maintenance of key reactor vent line systems across gas-phase polyethylene sites globally to investigate plugging and fouling. I used the gathered information to redesign vent line systems and developed "Tier 2 Best Practice" guidance for contracted design firms for future projects.

What advice do you have for students who are interested in getting involved in research or an internship?

Network! Talk to people about where they have worked and what they have done. Talk about what you are interested in doing. Even if it is just students in the department who are a year or two older than you, they still have those connections!

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

AIChE (President), Tau Beta Pi, SWE, Women's Ultimate Frisbee

What are your goals after graduation?

Pursue a career in process design with a core focus on building sustainable processes!

Learn more about Catherine Wraback:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-wraback/

Photo Credit: Catherine Wraback