Nance Dicciani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nance Dicciani
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| Born | 1947 (age 77–78) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Villanova University, University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Business School |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemical engineering |
| Institutions | Specialty Materials |
Nance Dicciani (born 1947) is an American chemical engineer. She helped create important medical tools. Her work led to better ultrasound scanners. These scanners are used to check on pregnant women. Nance Dicciani used her skills in chemistry and business. This helped her reach top jobs in many companies. One of her last big roles was at Specialty Materials. This company is part of Honeywell. Forbes magazine even named her one of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women.
Early Life and School
Nance Dicciani was born in 1947. Her hometown is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her father was an engineer too. He encouraged her to study science. Nance chose to study chemical engineering.
She earned several degrees:
- A bachelor's degree from Villanova University in 1969.
- A master's degree from the University of Virginia in 1970.
- A doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977.
For her doctoral degree, she wrote about how sound waves can help move tiny particles in gels. This research was very important. It helped develop ultrasound machines. These machines let doctors see inside the body. They are often used to check on babies before they are born. Later, in 1987, she also earned a business degree. This was from the Wharton Business School.
Her Amazing Career
In 1977, Nance Dicciani started as an engineer. She worked at Air Products and Chemicals. She moved up to different jobs. She worked in research and development. By 1988, she was a director. She helped create a new way to separate gases. This process could get nitrogen and oxygen from the air. She also found a new chemical helper. This helper could make benzene from coke.
In 1991, Dicciani joined Rohm and Haas. She became a business director there. By 1999, she was a senior vice president.
In 2001, Nance Dicciani became a top leader. She was the president and CEO of Specialty Materials. This group is part of Honeywell. Specialty Materials makes many special things. These include materials for electronics and chemicals. They also make advanced fibers and films. The company is in Morristown, New Jersey. Nance Dicciani helped the company save money. She also helped them sell more products. She made sure they focused on new ideas. She retired from Honeywell in April 2008.
Awards and Special Roles
Nance Dicciani has received many honors. In 2006, President George W. Bush chose her. She joined the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). This group gives advice on science and technology.
She also helps lead other important groups:
- The American Chemistry Council.
- The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Nance Dicciani also serves on the boards of directors. These are for companies like Halliburton and Praxair. She also helps lead her old university, Villanova.
She has won several awards. In 1987, she got an Achievement Award. This was from the Society of Women Engineers. In 2003, she gave a special lecture. It was at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Forbes magazine also recognized her. They named her one of “The World's 100 Most Powerful Women.”
