(See Projects story on Lightweight Sheet Molding Composite.)

Where are you from originally?
I'm originally from Mt. Clemens, Michigan, so I didn't have far to go to end up here.

How did you end up at GM R&D?
I wasn't recruited - I saw a want ad and answered it. I started working as a technician in Polymers in 1968, while also attending night school to earn my degree.

What were your early assignments
I started by working on plastic alloys and electroplating, but somewhere along the way I began researching sheet molding composites with Hamid Kia.

How do you spend your work days?
I answer voice-mails and e-mails, attend meetings, drink coffee - the same as most workers. But much of my time I spend purchasing the ingredients for SMC, making plaques of varying ingredients for test, and determining the properties of the resulting composite.

What excites you about your research?
I'm delighted when the platform uses the materials we've developed for parts on their vehicles. I know it makes a difference in how many vehicles we sell and how happy GM's customers will be.

Which of your accomplishments makes you most proud?
The two Boss Kettering awards for work on SMC. It's great to have our work recognized throughout GM.