I performed research and development work on a new highly environmental etch resistant clearcoat for automotive coatings. Due to the severity of of acid rain these days, a new more protective coating was developed to keep cars shiny and looking new for many more years than ever before. I received the Henry Ford Technology Award for this product when it began to be used on Ford vehicles. I also headed up several etch surveys to the Florida area over several years to evaluate environmental etch and fallout on autos in that area where the weather is more severe.
R & D on the first water based basecoat for GM
I worked on the team that developed and successfully launched the first water based, environmentally friendly, basecoat system that was put into several General Motors’ assembly plants. This involved testing, application, and scale up work. I assisted in all the various laboratory testing, PPAP’s, FMEA’s, and other quality work that was done prior to the launch of this new and innovative product.
Performed water quality testing
I spent several years testing drinking water, landfill well samples and industrial waste areas for EPA water quality reporting and other data analysis. This involved a large variety of chemical test procedures, wet chemistry methods, and sampling procedures. This meant learning about EPA regulations, RCRA and hazardous waste management and control. I also trained lab personnel and assigned tasks for multiple shift operations in the lab.