Robert Szczesniak
I currently work for UOP as a Chief Technical Advisor. This includes traveling globally to customer sites to lead teams responsible for start-up, turnaround, or revamp project involving UOP technologies. My experience is primarily in Aromatics with exposure to all aspects of refining. Prior to UOP I worked as an environmental consultant gaining extensive experience in project management, report writing, regulation, data analysis, and field work.
ChEnected contributions
Finding the Right Career in Chemical Engineering
Not sure where your place is in the world of chemical engineering? Robert Szczesniak wasn't sure either, but he found a great fit. Today, he travels the world working on different projects as a chemical engineer. He describes the path – which wasn't always so direct – and gives advice for finding a position that will be a good fit for you.
Kitchen Biochemistry – Fermented Foods
Fermentation once provided a valuable method of preserving perishable items, providing nutritious food throughout the year. Read more about these wonderful biochemistry experiments (zymology) that eventually turned into delicacies around the world, thanks to sugar and strains of local bacteria and yeast.
Closing Energy and Material Balances in Food Production
The hotel I am staying at in Thailand started a hydroponic garden, turning a previously unused area into productive one. While being "green" is among their objectives, this project is also a real measure of their operational philosophy of supplying quality products in a natural way.
From Thailand: One Perspective on the Food/Fuel Debate
On location in Thailand, a look at how the food/fuel battle is affecting life. Read on for insights into the common practice of field burning and its detrimental effect on air quality, and about the struggle over whether to use crops for biofuel or cooking oil.
Engineering the Corner Office [Opinion]
Engineering degrees appear to be an increasingly valuable asset in the business world, but will the supply of engineers shrink or grow?
Book Review: The Disappearing Spoon
Ever wonder what stories are told around the campfire at Chemistry Camp? Well, the Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of Elements by Sam Kean might just be the greatest collection of chemistry campfire stories.
Chemical Engineers' Role in Food, Pharmaceuticals, and Bioengineering [On Location]
After spending a few days listening to presentations on traditional chemical engineering topics such as energy, refining, and chemicals, it was an interesting contrast to see how the same concepts can be used to improve the safety, health, and productivity of the country as well.
Advances in Algal Biorefineries II [On Location]
Algae and plant oils have shown great promise towards answering the energy density question, but I am reminded of a 3-step business plan that I encountered in school: Step 1 – Collect algae, Step 3 – Profit. The presenters in this session are concerned with that mysterious Step 2.
A Tale of Two Plenaries: The Future of Energy and of the U.S. Chemical Industry
Take in a Session and then Some Sights...by Bike
Looking to get to know Minneapolis a little better while dodging between events? Take a walk through the Skyway, or grab a quick ride on one of the city's many public bikes.
Kitchen Chemistry: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
With summer coming to an end are you looking for a backyard barbecue menu that will end the season with bang, amazing your friends and neighbors? Well, with some chemistry and engineering knowledge – and gobs of time – your culinary show will wrap up the summer with a big hit.
Fordlandia: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford’s Forgotten Jungle City by Greg Grandin [Book Review]
Henry Ford was a complicated visionary who was, in some respects, ahead of the times, while woefully behind in others. His Fordlandia project in Brazil is an interesting study of Ford as a business man and individual.