Meet the Team
May 15, 2025

Juan, a Chemistry Expert With Nearly 30 Years of Experience

Juan, Senior Research Principal in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has dedicated his career to chemistry and research, choosing an expert path to contribute positively to society.

I am a Chemistry Expert in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with nearly 30 years of industrial experience. After earning my Master's from Yale in 1994, I completed my PhD in chemistry there in 1996.

I began my career at Air Products as a Senior Research Chemist that same year, advancing to Principal and then Senior Principal Research Chemist. In March 2006, I became a Lead Research Chemist for new product development and later I became an Air Products Research Associate with responsibilities including managing intellectual assets for the polyurethanes business.  

I served as Global R&D Manager for Polyurethanes until December 2016. Since joining Evonik in January 2017, I have held roles including R&D Director and Research Principal in Evonik’s Fellow Program, and in 2023, I was recognized as a Sr. Research Principal & Fellow Member. 

At the RD&I Christmas Colloquium in 2024 I was distinguished with the Chief Innovation Officer Award for strategically leveraging IP rights to drive the growth of Evonik’s polyurethane business. Today, I continue to work on innovation and to bring new and defensible technologies to ensure the future sustainable growth of our business.

Job Title Sr Research Principal
Location Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA 
Segment/Function Custom Solutions
At Evonik since 2017
Education PHD in Chemistry