Stephanie Burns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephanie A. Burns
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| Born | January 24, 1955 Torrington, Wyoming, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Florida International University in Miami, and earned a doctorate in organic chemistry at Iowa State University |
| Awards | International Palladium Medal (2011) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Organosilicon chemistry |
| Institutions | Dow Corning |
Stephanie A. Burns was born on January 24, 1955. She is an American chemist and a successful businesswoman. She is famous for her work with organosilicon chemistry. Stephanie Burns was the president and CEO of Dow Corning from 2003 to 2011. She also led the Society of Chemical Industry as its honorary president.
Early Life and Education
Stephanie Burns was born in Torrington, Wyoming. Her father was a professor and a dean at Florida International University. Her mother worked as a real estate agent.
As a child, Stephanie loved to explore the world around her. She was often found trying to study animals like frogs and snakes. Her father taught her how important education and challenging herself could be. In junior high, she became very interested in science and math classes. This led her to choose chemistry as her main subject on her very first day of college.
While at Florida International University, her organic chemistry professor, Arthur Herriott, sparked her interest in organosilicon chemistry. She earned her bachelor's degree from the university in Miami in 1977. For her advanced studies, Professor Herriott suggested she work with Thomas J. Barton. He was a specialist in organosilicon chemistry at Iowa State University.
Stephanie Burns earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Iowa State University in 1982. During her time there, she learned about Dow Corning, which had helped fund some of her research. After graduating, she continued her studies in France at the University of Montpellier. Soon after, she joined Dow Corning to keep working on her research.
Career Highlights
Stephanie Burns started working at Dow Corning in France in 1982. She was a researcher and expert in organosilicon chemistry. This field studies compounds made of carbon and silicon. Her early research focused on silicones and creating new types of heat-resistant rubber. She earned three patents for her inventions in her first years at the company.
She slowly moved up into management roles at Dow Corning. In 1994, she became the director of Women's Health. She was also part of the team that managed the company during a difficult time. In 1997, she moved to Brussels after being named Science and Technology Director for Europe.
When she returned to the United States in 2000, Burns became an executive vice president. Three years later, in 2003, she made history by becoming the first woman president of Dow Corning. She served as president and chief executive officer until she retired on December 31, 2011. She also became the chief operating officer in 2004 and chairman in 2006.
Under her leadership, Dow Corning grew a lot. They started making more than 7,000 different products based on silicon. She also helped the company expand into many new parts of the world. During her time as leader, Dow Corning's profits grew almost five times larger. They also spent 6% of their total sales on research and development.
In 2011, Stephanie Burns received the International Palladium Medal. This award is given for important contributions to the chemical industry. She was the first woman to ever receive this honor. The award was given to her at a special dinner in New York City on May 3, 2011.
Leadership and Service
Beyond her work at Dow Corning, Stephanie Burns has held many important positions. She served as the honorary president of the Society of Chemical Industry. She also chaired the American Chemistry Council.
She was a member of several boards, including the Michigan Molecular Institute. She also served on the board for the Society for Women's Health Research. In addition, President Barack Obama appointed her to the President's Export Council.
See also
In Spanish: Stephanie Burns para niños
