We are fortunate to have so many dedicated alumni on our advisory boards.

On Oct. 19, several chemistry advisory board members participated in a “Careers in Chemistry” panel for students.

Corrie Sifers, Mike Minor, Scott Workman, Drs. Matthew Harthcock and David Osborne participated.

“Students were able to ask questions, get advice and interact with five working professionals who are all alumni of the MSU chemistry department,” Dr. Bryan Breyfogle said.

More than 30 students attended the panel.

The panel covered several things:

• The variety of jobs in chemistry
• Top skills needed to be marketable
• Investing in yourself

They also took questions from students.

About the members

• Harthcock is the director of engineering and quality for Schneller LLC that makes interior decorative products for commercial aircraft. He graduated from MSU in 1977 with a BS in chemistry. He also has a PhD in chemistry.
• Minor has worked in several industrial jobs as a chemist, data processing coordinator, information technology and cellular phone technology before he retired in 2015. He currently sells real estate. He graduated from MSU in 1980 with a BSED in chemistry. He also has three master’s degrees in information technology, business administration and dispute resolution.
• Osborne is the senior vice president of product development at Arcutis Pharmaceuticals. He graduated MSU in 1982 with a BS in chemistry and a minor in mathematics. He also has a PhD in colloid chemistry.
• Sifers is a chemist at Bayer Animal Health. She graduated from MSU in 2005 with her BS in chemistry. She also has a master’s degree in chemistry.
• Workman is a forensic chemist at the Missouri State Highway Patrol crime laboratory. He received his BS and MS in chemistry from Missouri State.

“It is very beneficial for our students to interact with our professional alumni to hear about the various pathways to successful careers beginning with a major in chemistry,” Breyfogle said.