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DENVER – Feb. 15, 2003 - DuPont Central Research and Development Vice President Dr. Uma Chowdhry will deliver today the topical lecture, "Sustainability and Integrated Science for the 21st Century," at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting and science innovation exposition at the Colorado Convention Center (Room A209) here.
"Historically, the chemical industry has grown in response to worldwide demand for products that lead to an improved standard of living," Chowdhry said. "This industry growth has been achieved through increased use of fossil fuel and other depletable natural resources, often with consequent adverse effects on the environment. But that is changing.
"As we enter our third century at DuPont, we are transforming ourselves to grow sustainably to increase societal and shareholder value while decreasing our environmental footprint," Chowdhry noted. "By integrating emerging technologies – like biotechnology and nanotechnology – with our strengths in chemistry and materials science, we will rely on technical innovations to develop new products and processes that use renewable resources, consume less energy, and produce less waste. We call it "Sustainability through Integrated Science.'"
DuPont is pursuing its third major transformation in its 200-year history. Throughout the 19th century, the company was known for explosives. In the 20th century, DuPont became a diversified chemical company. Today, DuPont is a science company focusing on synergies among its strengths in chemistry and materials science and emerging technologies – like nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Since the early 1990s, DuPont has been recognized as a leader in corporate environmentalism, earning a number of awards including the World Environment Center's Gold Medal. DuPont has consistently earned high marks on social responsibility and environmental progress in surveys such as Fortune Magazine's "Most Admired Companies" and the Financial Times PriceWaterhouseCoopers "World's Most Respected Companies."
As part of its sustainability mission, DuPont has set four goals for 2010, supplementing existing goals:
Chowdhry, 54, has a blend of experience in both technology and business leadership roles. After joining DuPont in 1977, she spent 11 years in research and management roles in Central Research and Development. From 1988 to 1999, Chowdhry held various business and technology leadership positions in the Electronics and Chemical Solutions businesses. She served as director of engineering technologies before being named to her current position in 2002.
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Chowdhry came to the United States in 1968 with a B.S. in physics from the Indian Institute of Science, Mumbai University. She earned her M.S. from the California University of Technology in 1970. Chowdhry was awarded her Ph.D. in materials science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1976. For work ranging from catalysts to superconductors, Chowdhry was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1996. She also has served on the advisory boards of engineering schools at MIT, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and the University of Delaware.
In addition to Chowdhry's lecture at the AAAS meeting, DuPont scientist Dr. Scott Nichols unveiled some of the latest findings at DuPont in his presentation "Engineering Microbes for the Production of 1,3-Propanediol – Creating DuPont? Sorona® Polymer of the Future from Corn" which he provided Feb. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Workshop D (Colorado Convention Center: Exhibit Hall A). DuPont scientists have recently developed an innovative bio-based method that uses corn – instead of conventional petroleum-based processes – to produce the latest polymer platform for use in clothing, carpets and automobile interiors. Also, staff and leading scientists – including nanotechnology researcher Dr. Tim Gierke – were available at the DuPont booth (booths 207, 209) Feb. 14-16 in the AAAS Exhibit Hall.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
Editor's Note: High-resolution photo of Dr. Uma Chowdhry can be downloaded by clicking on the link below. http://www1.dupont.com/NASApp/dupontglobal/corp/index.jsp?page=/content/US/en_US/overview/executives/chowdhry.html
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