Chemistry has a reputation of being a strict science -- just consider all
those formulas, periodic tables and hard facts all written in stone. Yet one
chemist begs to differ.
Gene Zaid, an industrial chemist in Kansas, says chemistry is the essence
of creativity. "Invention is my creative outlet," he says. "Some people paint,
some write. I play with chemicals."
Playing with chemicals has been a lifelong fascination. As a 17-year-old
Israeli refugee, Zaid came to the U.S. to study chemistry. By the time he
graduated from university, he had built a laboratory in his backyard and started
to work on his own inventions.
"You try to make do with what you've got. You must look for opportunities,
not limitations, in order to succeed in what you're doing," says Zaid.
Since the days of his backyard laboratory, "making do" has resulted in
success. Today Zaid is the head of two industrial chemical companies and the
owner of eight chemical patents.
"I pursue my own interests, learn about problems and try to solve them,"
says Zaid, who believes if you study problems closely enough, solutions will
naturally emerge.
Industrial chemist Penny Lao agrees with Zaid's philosophy. Although
her work is structured within the pulp and paper industry, she believes each
problem comes ready-equipped with a solution.
"The solution is inherent in every problem. It just takes some creativity
and perseverance to be able to see it," says Lao.
An inherent solution doesn't mean it's an easy one, however.
As an industrial chemist for the pulp and paper industry, a big part of Lao's
job involves figuring out how to take a small-scale chemical process from
the lab and make it perform well in large-scale manufacturing. This can be
a difficult task.
"The solution may be right there, or it may take you months or even years
to find it," says Lao. "Sometimes it can be tough to have faith that a solution
even exists."
Gene Zaid, like most industrial chemists, can sympathize with that frustration.
He says there have been times when he has questioned his career choice, but
he knows the thrill of finalizing a project. This thrill of reaching a successful
conclusion will always have him hooked on his work.
Chemists like Lao and Zaid are also driven by a conviction that industrial
chemistry and its inventions are important to society.
"It's critical for industrial chemists to continue to find ways to
manufacture products and chemicals which are safer for the people using them
and compatible with their environment," says Lao.
Meeting the needs of environment and user are just what Zaid did in 1982
when he invented an industrial chemical process which would "pelletize" the
toxic chemicals needed to clean oil wells. Unlike the previous form of these
chemicals, Zaid's pellets were safe for people to handle, and wouldn't
seep into the ground if spilled. On top of all that, the chemicals worked
better in pellet form.
Zaid's approach to all of his accomplishments, be they the creation
of non-corrosive road salt or research in the fight against cancer and AIDS,
has been one of modesty. Being an industrial chemist isn't about accomplishments
-- it's about having the chance to make a difference.
"I want to leave this world having a positive impact during my stay. Therefore,
I'm trying to find solutions to make our environment better, help somebody
out and to try to inspire people, or be a positive influence in their life."