EMPLOYEE NAME: Tongji Li
JOB AT CHEVRON: Oronite Development Program Engineer
YEARS WITH CHEVRON: 1
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
LIVES IN: Hercules
Tell us about your job at Chevron:
I work at Chevron Oronite, a part of the company that develops, manufactures and markets performance-enhancing additives for the lubricating oils and transportation fuels used in cars, trucks, ships and more. My job is to work on a team that continually optimizes Oronite products using the latest technology and research to help maximize the reliability, efficiency and lifespan of engines.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The people I work with. I have great mentors with a vast amount of knowledge. I get exposed to all parts of Oronite, and I get to learn from a lot of smart people.
How did you find out about your job at Chevron?
I interned here first for two summers during college, and I started working here right after I graduated.
What is one of your favorite parts of working at Chevron?
Chevron is so supportive of its employees. This past year I volunteered my time to start a math club at Pinole Middle School. The financial support and motivation from Chevron has been amazing – this company encourages and values volunteerism in this community, and it’s great to see.
Tell us about the math club you started.
The math club is open to all students who are interested in furthering their math skills and competing in several national math competitions. The goal is to nurture a love of math and foster growth in a safe team environment. It also helps students learn how to problem solve at a young age.
How did you get the idea to start this club?
When I was in school, my mom coached me on my math skills and helped me prepare for these same competitions. It was great practice and it set me up for my career as an engineer. Now as a working professional, I want to give back by coaching young students to apply the math skills they learn in class better, faster and more strategically.
Tell us about the success of this club in its first year.
Last year, we had about 12 students on average who met twice a week to practice their math skills and prepare for competitions. We started the club in November and, after only a few months of working with students, we saw a 100% improvement in individual math scores and a 223% improvement in team scores.
It sounds like you’ve accomplished a lot in your first year at Chevron. What’s next?
This year was only the beginning. My hope is to grow the club. I’ve also been working with my colleagues at Chevron and the WCCUSD to bring a math club to other schools so that more students can have an opportunity to practice and compete.
