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, born on January 24, 1955, is an American chemist and a successful businesswoman. She is known for her work with organosilicon chemistry. From 2003 to 2011, she was the president and CEO of Dow Corning, a big company that makes special materials. She also held an important role as honorary president of the Society of Chemical Industry.
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Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Wyoming
Stephanie Burns was born in Torrington, Wyoming. Her father was a professor of English and history. Her mother worked as a real estate agent. Even as a child, Stephanie was very curious about the world around her. Her father often found her trying to study animals like frogs and snakes. He taught her how important education and challenging herself could be.
Discovering Chemistry
When Stephanie was in junior high, she became very interested in her science and math classes. This led her to choose chemistry as her main subject on her very first day of college. She attended Florida International University in Miami. There, her organic chemistry professor, Arthur Herriott, sparked her interest in organosilicon chemistry.
Stephanie earned her bachelor's degree from Florida International University in 1977. For her advanced studies, Professor Herriott suggested she work with Thomas J. Barton. He was an expert in organosilicon chemistry at Iowa State University. Stephanie earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Iowa State in 1982. During her time there, she learned about Dow Corning, a company that had helped fund some of her research. After getting her Ph.D., Stephanie did more research at the University of Montpellier in France. Soon after, she joined Dow Corning to continue her important work.
Career at Dow Corning
Starting as a Researcher
Stephanie Burns joined Dow Corning in France in 1982. She started as a researcher, focusing on organosilicon chemistry. This field studies compounds made of carbon and silicon. Early in her career, her research on silicones and new heat-resistant rubber led to her being credited with three patents. A patent protects an invention, meaning others can't copy it without permission.
Moving Up in the Company
Stephanie slowly moved into leadership roles at Dow Corning. In 1994, she became the director of Women's Health. She was also part of a special team that helped manage the company during a difficult time. In 1997, she moved to Brussels, Belgium. There, she became the Science and Technology Director for Europe.
Leading Dow Corning
When Stephanie returned to the United States in 2000, she was named an executive vice president. Just three years later, in February 2003, she became the president of Dow Corning. She was the first woman to hold this top position. 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 the chairman in 2006.
Under Stephanie's leadership, Dow Corning grew a lot. They expanded their products to include more than 7,000 silicon-based items. She also helped the company reach new markets around the world. During her time as leader, Dow Corning's profits grew almost five times larger. The company also increased its spending on research and development (R&D) to 6% of its total sales.
Awards and Recognition
In 2011, Stephanie Burns received the International Palladium Medal. This award is given for important contributions to the chemical industry. It also recognizes efforts to improve international goals in chemistry. Stephanie was the first woman to ever receive this award. It was presented to her at a special dinner in New York on May 3, 2011.
Service on Councils and Boards
Stephanie Burns has also served in many other important roles. She was the honorary president of the Society of Chemical Industry. She also chaired the American Chemistry Council. She served on the boards of several organizations, including the Michigan Molecular Institute and the Society for Women's Health Research. In addition, President Barack Obama appointed her to the President's Export Council. This council advises the President on international trade.
See also
In Spanish: Stephanie Burns para niños
