Nance Dicciani facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nance Dicciani
Born	1947 (age 77–78) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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 in 1947, is an American chemical engineer. She helped create special scanners used to check on pregnant women. Her knowledge in chemistry and business helped her reach top jobs at many companies. One of her most important roles was at Specialty Materials, a part of Honeywell. Forbes magazine even named her one of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women.

Early Life and Education

Nance Dicciani was born in 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her father was an engineer who encouraged her interest in science. She chose to study chemical engineering.

College Degrees

Nance earned her first degree from Villanova University in 1969. She then got a master's degree from the University of Virginia in 1970. In 1977, she earned her highest degree, a doctorate, from the University of Pennsylvania.

Important Research

For her doctorate, Nance studied how sound waves could help move tiny particles in gels. This research was very important for developing medical imaging tools. Her work helped create the ultrasonic scanners used today to see babies before they are born. Later, in 1987, she also earned a business degree from the Wharton Business School.

Nance Dicciani's Career

Nance Dicciani started her career as an engineer in 1977. She worked at a company called Air Products and Chemicals. She moved up through different jobs in research and development. By 1988, she was a director.

Key Projects

At Air Products, Nance helped create a new way to separate nitrogen and oxygen from the air. She also found a new chemical that helps make benzene from coke.

Leadership Roles

In 1991, Nance joined Rohm and Haas. She became a business director for their Petroleum Chemicals Division. By 1999, she was a senior vice president at the company.

Leading at Honeywell

In 2001, Nance Dicciani became the president and CEO of Specialty Materials. This was a big part of the company Honeywell. Specialty Materials makes many important products. These include special chemicals, films, and materials for things like electronics. Nance helped this group save money and sell more products. She also made sure they focused on creating new and better things. Nance retired from Honeywell in April 2008.

Awards and Recognition

Nance Dicciani has received many honors for her work. In 2006, President George W. Bush asked her to join a special group. This group, called the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), gives advice on science.

Other Important Roles

Nance has also served on the executive committee of the American Chemistry Council. She led their Board Research Committee. She is also a vice president of SCI, which is the Society of Chemical Industry.

Board Memberships

Nance Dicciani has been on the boards of directors for several large companies. These include Halliburton and Praxair. She also serves on the board of trustees for her old university, Villanova.

Special Achievements

In 1987, she received an Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers. She was also a special lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2003. As mentioned earlier, Forbes magazine recognized her as one of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women.

See also

In Spanish: Nance Dicciani para niños