Her Story
About Sarah
I am an analytical chemist and materials scientist with over a decade and a half of experience in the adhesives and rubber industries, currently serving as Analytical Scientist at Mactac North America, a role I have held since May 2025, where I conduct advanced analytical chemical research to address customer claims, support product development, and resolve manufacturing challenges, reporting experimental results, drawing conclusions from data, and presenting findings to internal and external customers. I specialize in complex analytical equipment to identify products, contaminations, and deviations, and assist operations, quality, and claims teams as issues arise.
Prior to this role, I spent over ten years at Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc. in progressively responsible roles, including Project Coordinator and Senior FTIR Analyst for nearly three years, Senior FT-IR Analyst for over two years, and FT-IR Analyst for over five years, where I developed my expertise in analytical chemistry and materials testing. Earlier in my career, I spent over seven years at Mactac North America in progressively responsible roles, including Senior Research Development Laboratory Technician, Research Development Laboratory Technician II, and Research Development Laboratory Technician, where I built my foundation in research and development.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology from Walsh University.
I have also volunteered as a Kennel Assistant at the Humane Society of Summit County, and as a Board Member, Fundraising Coordinator, and Safety Coordinator for Cuyahoga Falls Little League.
Across my career in analytical chemistry and materials science, my work has been driven by a commitment to scientific rigor, problem-solving, and supporting product quality and innovation. Whether I am conducting advanced analytical research, supporting product development, or addressing manufacturing challenges, I bring a detail-oriented, collaborative, and results-driven approach that has made a lasting impact on the organizations and customers I serve. I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career and excited to continue advancing analytical science and product quality at Mactac North America.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've had really good mentors throughout my career who pushed me to learn and grow. The first 7 years I had a strict mentor who helped me mature. Then a female mentor who encouraged continuous learning without intimidation. Another taught me infrared analysis, and my current mentor continues that support. I've been blessed with people who poured knowledge into me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't worry about titles or higher degrees; you can continuously learn anything needed. Stay in your lane, ignore negativity, keep going forward. If it's meant to work out, it will. Go above and beyond in your specialty to become irreplaceable.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Use downtime at work to read literature and deepen expertise instead of phones. Be able to explain your specialty impressively. Go above and beyond even without immediate compensation, as it pays off long-term making you stand out and harder to replace.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include cost constraints when making changes, oil prices, ingredient sourcing issues (US closures, overseas shifts), price increases requiring constant reformulation to stay profitable while maintaining production speed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Ethics and honesty are key; cheating the system catches up. Treat people with respect and kindness. Maintain a positive attitude and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute and provide jobs, even if not curing cancer.
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