Years with Chevron: 3
Education: B.S. from the University of Rochester; Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech); Post Doctorate at Brookhaven National Laboratory
What is your job at Chevron?
I am responsible for product quality of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and motor gasoline. I provide technical expertise to all six of Chevron’s North American refineries, including Richmond. I help ensure the gasoline our stations sell to consumers is top tier.
Does your work support California mandates for clean fuels?
Many people don’t realize that California has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the world. In fact, we produce a special blend of cleaner gasoline that is only available in California. We are helping to evaluate gasoline to make sure the fuels produced at the Richmond Refinery and El Segundo Refinery meet those requirements.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I really enjoy getting an opportunity to interact with colleagues from all over North America. Right now I am working with teams in Canada, Mississippi and Hawaii. It’s gratifying to help colleagues solve technical problems that enable our business to thrive.
Are people ever surprised to learn Chevron has research labs in Richmond?
When I tell people that I work for Chevron in Richmond, they presume it’s at the refinery. They don’t realize that we have an R&D campus next to the refinery. It’s a very robust scientific environment.
Where do you live?
I live in Point Richmond, right next to Washington Elementary School. I moved with my husband from the East Coast. The location is absolutely fantastic. I really love the small town community feel. And it’s great to be able to walk to work.
What do you like to do outside of work?
We are both very active. My husband runs marathons and I do triathlons. We love working out in Miller Knox Park, Brickyard Cove and Marina Bay. It’s also great to have access to the Plunge for swimming. These days thought, you’re more likely to find us walking with our 10 month old son in his stroller.
What’s a common misconception about Chevron you would like to clear up?
People don’t necessarily realize how important Chevron is to the Bay Area economy. We not only provide a lot of jobs, but we also produce a lot of fuel that keeps our region going. The refinery makes 60% of the jet fuel used and about 20% of the gasoline used in the Bay Area. Without us, people wouldn’t be able to get around.
Anything else you want people to know about Chevron?
Chevron employs a lot of very talented technical experts. These technical experts help us remain competitive. The company has a program that recognizes the most senior of our technical experts called the “Chevron Fellows Program”. To help younger professionals like me, the company has a mentoring program directed by the Chevron Fellows which helps foster a culture of innovation.
