Maryam Sepehr
Biography
Maryam Sepehr
Education
BE | Chemical Engineering/polymer Engineering | Amir-Kabir University of Technology
MS | Physics and Materials Science | École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris
PhD | Chemical Engineering | École Polytechnique de Montreal | 2004
Postdoc | National Research Council Canada – Industrial Material Institute | 2004 – 2006
Industrial Experience
2012 – present: Senior Research Scientist in Viscosity Modifiers | Chevron Oronite Company
2008 – 2012: Rheology and Thermal Analyses Technical Team Leader | Avery Dennison Research Center
2006 – 2008: Research Scientist | National Research Council Canada | Industrial Material Institute
Overview
How would you describe your typical workday?
I am a Senior Research Scientist working in the development of viscosity modifiers and lubricant technologies. My work involves managing projects, developing new products, designing, interpreting and understanding studies, investigating formulation and performance challenges, and supporting manufacturing and customer needs. A typical day includes managing projects, designing experiments, analyzing data, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and applying rheological concepts to connect polymer structure, formulation behavior, and lubricant performance.
How do you use rheology in your day-to day work?
I use rheology to better understand how materials, such as lubricants and polymers, behave under different conditions and how molecular structure influences performance. It helps me characterize new materials, understand formulation behavior, troubleshoot technical issues, and guide product development. For me, rheology is one of the key tools for understanding materials and their behavior, and for connecting that understanding to real-world performance.
What inspired you to become a scientist and/or pursue a career in your specific field?
I’ve always been curious about why materials behave the way they do. After spending several years in industry, I found that many of the questions and challenges I encountered could be explained through rheology. What drew me to the field was its ability to connect fundamental science with real-world applications. Rheology not only helps us understand material behavior, but also provides powerful tools for solving industrial problems and developing new products.
When did you decide to pursue a career in industry?
After several years in industry, I returned to university with the goal of deepening my scientific knowledge and bringing it back to real-world applications. What attracted me most to industry was the opportunity to translate science into meaningful solutions. The challenge was learning to balance scientific rigor with business priorities, timelines, and customer needs.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career thus far?
One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been seeing ideas move from the lab into real products and applications. I’ve enjoyed solving technical challenges, developing new products, and helping others use rheology to better understand how material properties relate to end-use performance. It’s especially satisfying when that work leads to solutions that make a difference for the business or for customers.
How has involvement with The Society of Rheology helped shape your career?
The Society of Rheology has been an important part of my professional life for many years. It has given me opportunities to learn from leaders in the field, exchange ideas with colleagues from academia and industry, and build lasting friendships around the world. Through volunteering and serving the Society, I’ve broadened my perspective and developed new skills. What I value most, though, is the sense of community. Many people I first met through SoR have become long-term collaborators and friends, making it feel like much more than a professional society.
After completing formal education, what is one new skill set that you developed/acquired that has been critical for your career?
One of the most important skills I developed after school was learning how to communicate science to different audiences. In industry, good work has little impact if you can’t explain it clearly to colleagues, customers, or decision-makers.
What are the two most important non-technical skills for a career in science?
Communication and collaboration. No matter how strong your technical skills are, you need to be able to explain your ideas clearly and work effectively with people from different backgrounds. Most meaningful accomplishments in science happen as part of a team.
What was the biggest challenge moving from academia into your current career?
Since I already had several years of industrial experience before returning to university, I was excited to apply the new science and approaches I learned in graduate school to real-world problems. The biggest challenge, however, was finding the right balance between scientific rigor and the realities of business needs, timelines, and practical constraints. In industry, a good solution needs to be scientifically sound, but it also has to be timely, scalable, and deliver value to customers.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Build your professional network early and nurture it continuously. Many opportunities, collaborations, and career insights come through relationships developed over time. Equally important, do not underestimate the value of learning from people with backgrounds and perspectives different from your own.
What advice would you give to students considering graduate school?
Graduate school is a significant commitment, so I would encourage students to pursue it because they genuinely enjoy learning and tackling difficult problems, not simply because it seems like the next step. Just as important as the research topic is finding an advisor and environment where you can grow, be challenged, and receive support. The technical knowledge is important, but for me the biggest value was learning how to think critically, solve problems, and communicate ideas. Those skills stay with you no matter where your career takes you in academia, industry, or government.
If you could meet and have lunch with one scientist (past or present), who would it be and why?
I would probably choose one of the astronomers who helped us better understand galaxies and the structure of the universe. Even though my career has focused on polymers and rheology, I have always been fascinated by astronomy. The more we learn about galaxies, dark matter, and the behavior of the universe, the more questions seem to emerge. I think it would be fascinating to hear how someone who spent their life studying this science thinks about what we still do not know.
Mentorship
How has mentorship impacted your career?
Mentorship has had a huge impact on my career. At different stages, I have benefited from people who shared their experience, challenged my thinking, and encouraged me to take on opportunities outside my comfort zone. Looking back, many of the important decisions I made were influenced by conversations with mentors. Their guidance helped me grow as a scientist and work more effectively with people around me.
From the mentor perspective, what advice would you give to others serving as mentors?
Take the time to really understand the person you are mentoring. Everyone has different goals, strengths, and challenges. A mentor’s role is less about providing answers and more about helping people think through problems, build confidence, and find their own path.
From the mentee perspective, what advice would you give to mentees?
Don’t wait for your mentor to drive the relationship. Be proactive, ask questions, and be open to feedback. The most successful mentoring relationships are active partnerships rather than one-way interactions. Some of the most valuable advice I received was not always what I wanted to hear at the time, but it helped me grow.
Collaborations
What advice would you give to individuals that are either starting and/or leading collaborations between companies?
Start by building trust and establishing clear expectations. Technical challenges are usually easier to solve than communication challenges. In successful collaborations, people are open about their goals, limitations, and concerns. Regular communication and mutual respect go a long way toward keeping projects productive. It is also important to recognize that different organizations may have different priorities, timelines, and ways of working.
What challenges and benefits have you seen from collaborations between academia and industry?
One thing I have always appreciated about academia-industry collaborations is that each side brings a different perspective. Academia often pushes us to think more deeply about the science, while industry brings a focus on real-world applications and constraints. The timelines and priorities can be different, which sometimes creates challenges, but when both sides are willing to learn from each other, the results can be incredibly rewarding. Some of the most interesting work I have been involved in came from combining fundamental understanding with practical problems that needed to be solved.
For hiring managers
What pointers would you give to first time job seeking students?
Take time to understand the position and organization you are applying to. Don’t focus only on your technical qualifications. Employers are also looking for people who can communicate, learn quickly, and work well with others. Be prepared to talk about how you approached problems, dealt with setbacks, and contributed to a team. Those experiences often make a lasting impression.
When is the optimum time to start looking for jobs during graduate school?
I recommend starting earlier than you think you need to. Start networking and exploring potential opportunities well before graduation. Conferences, professional societies like The SoR, and informational conversations can help you learn about careers and build connections before you begin actively applying.
Does flexibility in job search play a role in current times, especially when the job market seems to be highly competitive?
Absolutely. Some of the best opportunities may not look exactly like the job you originally imagined. Being open to different industries, roles, or locations can expand your options and lead you in directions you may not have considered. My own career has benefited from being open to new opportunities and challenges as they came along.