Department of Chemistry Master Calendar

This calendar includes all events from the following individual calendars: Department of Chemistry Alumni Events (events for an alumni audience), Department Events (events of general interest and/or relevant to all Chemistry research areas), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Events, Public Events, and events related to Chemistry research areas and programs (Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program, Inorganic Chemistry & Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry), as well as Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Seminars & Events.

 

Sylvia M. Stoesser Lecture in Chemistry

Jun 5, 2026   3:30 - 4:30 pm  
116 Roger Adams Laboratory
Lecture
Sylvia M. Stoesser Lecture in Chemistry
Sponsor
Department of Chemistry
Speaker
Dr. Stephanie Potisek Lee ('08, Moore)
Registration
Registration
Contact
Amanda Ramey
E-Mail
aramey2@illinois.edu
Phone
217-333-3627
Views
28
Originating Calendar
Chemistry Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Events

Register here to attend the 2026 Stoesser Lecture: Stoesser Lecture Registration

The Stoesser Lecture in Chemistry is held every year in honor of Dr. Sylvia Stoesser, an early pioneer for women in chemistry and features an individual that is making outstanding contributions to science outside of academia. The Stoesser Lecture Planning Committee has selected Dr. Stephanie Potisek Lee ('08, Moore), R&D Strategy Leader at Dow, as the speaker for the 2026 Stoesser Lecture in Chemistry. Light refreshments will be provided.

From Molecules to Markets: How Industrial Chemistry Problems Are Defined and Solved

Abstract
Industrial research problems are often perceived as applied or incremental, yet many of the defining challenges remain fundamentally chemical—rooted in molecular interactions,   chemistry fundamentals, and interfacial phenomena operating under real‑world constraints. In this seminar, I will present a chemist’s perspective on how industrial R&D problems are framed and solved when molecular design must coexist with scale, variability, and complex multicomponent systems.

Using case studies, this talk will illustrate challenges across several industrial projects. These include controlling wax crystallization in crude oils through polymeric pour point depressants, where polymer structure influences nucleation and crystal growth; enabling downgauging of low‑density polyethylene films for food packaging, where molecular architecture and processing dictate mechanical performance at reduced thickness; and incorporating post‑consumer recycled polymers into new materials, where multicomponent systems and impurities impact final product properties and performance.

Across these examples, a consistent theme emerges: while each problem appears application‑specific, the solutions depend on an understanding of underlying chemical mechanisms and their sensitivity to real‑world conditions. Ultimately, this talk will show that the most impactful industrial innovations arise when fundamental chemical principles are applied not only to optimize performance, but to design systems that are robust, scalable, and capable of delivering value beyond the laboratory.

Bio
Stephanie Potisek Lee, Ph.D. holds the role of R&D Strategy Leader where she supports the planning and implementation of strategic initiatives, the management of the global R&D project portfolio, and technical communications to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Dr. Potisek has 15 years of industrial R&D experience, where she has contributed to over 13 patents, received the Edison Award Highlight for Women Behind Innovation, and was honored as an R&D 100 finalist.

This lecture is made possible by support from the Dr. Yulan C. Tong Stoesser Lecture Endowment Fund

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