Meet Joe Deneault — Featured YP for August

 

Where are you from?

Topeka, Kansas

What company/institution do you work for?

Burns & McDonnell

Where did you complete/are you completing your chemical engineering education?

University of Kansas

How many years have you been a member of AIChE?

Five

Describe a recent challenge you managed, notable achievement, or obstacle you overcame at your job or in your work as an AIChE member.

When I joined the Kansas City Local Section officer board in 2012, one issue that we had to deal with was trying to develop an attractive programming plan while working with a limited budget. As our meeting attendance has risen along with venue and food costs over the past few years, our section operating costs have also increased. In order to continue to improve our programming and attract members to our events, the 2013 officer group put together a corporate sponsorship program in order to reach out to local companies for financial support. The corporate sponsorship program was introduced in 2014, when I took over as Local Section Chair, and it has been a great success for our chapter. In the first year, we secured sponsorship for four of our monthly chapter meetings, greatly alleviating some of our financial burden.

What do you do to meet people in your field?

I've met many people in my field through my involvement with AIChE. I've networked with ChemEs at both Local Section events and national events, particularly the Local Section Leaders Workshops.

There are two types of ChemEs... those who_______ and those who ________.

1) Love thermodynamics 2) Accept it as a necessary evil.

What's the first thought you have when you wake up in the morning?

Where's my coffee? Or, do I have time to go for a run before work?

If your college had offered a class on real-life skills for the aspiring ChE, what would you want them to teach?

1) How to manage your money and budgeting. When you get a job as a chemical engineer in the real world and are getting paid well, it is tough to decide exactly what to spend your money on, how much to save, etc. Although you now have the money for that new car or computer, how much should you really be spending? 2) Letting people know what you really want. In the real world, there are lots of opportunities to try new things, work on various types of projects, and explore different career paths. However, you have to let the right people know what you are interested in. You have to take the initiative; no one is going to do it for you.

If you weren't a ChE what would you most want to be?

Either a research meteorologist or nutritionist. I am fascinated by thunderstorms, and I enjoy eating healthy foods and learning about nutrition.

What don't most people know about you?

When I was little, I aspired to be a trash man. I guess I really wanted to drive the big green trucks.

Do you have any advice for current or future young professionals reading ChEnected?

Ask questions. The best way to learn as a Young Professional is to ask questions. Also, get to know the experienced engineers at your company. They can be very valuable resources, and you can learn a lot if you just take the time to listen. You can connect with Joe through his LinkedIn profile or through his Facebook page.

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