I Am A Chemist: Chris Swyngedouw
Chris Swyngedouw
Current Job:
Executive Director ACPA since mid 2024.
I have been a member of the ACPA since about 1991 and served two previous terms on the Board of Directors before becoming the president for 2012-2013.
What were your past duties?
I am a retired Calgary based professional chemist.
I was the Group Technology leader – Chemistry for Exova’s and later Element’s global operations.
As the in-house scientific consultant, I was the scientific and technical advisor. I helped with setting up experimental plans, interpreting results, performing statistical analyses and I gave advice and voiced opinions. I did this for both external projects like scientific research and for internal projects such as method validations and uncertainty determinations, determining method detection limits, as well as setting quality control objectives. As the leader in chemistry, I provided direction for technical standards, quality requirements and implementing best practices. My job dealt with the high-level strategies, policy making and project coordination.
The main benefit for Exova/Element - apart from the credibility it brings to have employees in such positions - was that relevant laboratory analysis reports and analysis certificates had the signature or member stamp of a professional chemist, also adding authoritative credibility.
What is your education?
Biosciences Engineering degree from the University of Ghent, Belgium
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, University of Calgary
Certificate in Management Consulting, University of Calgary
Why did you choose to study chemistry?
My curiosity of nature as a child was satisfied by learning chemistry, as chemistry helped explain things around us. I came from a family where art and especially music was appreciated and practiced. I learned to look at a vase or a painting, and similarly at things in nature, and experienced how the colours, the symmetry and all their attributes fit, work and supported each other.
Now I see that chemistry is about knowledge and more so, understanding, and that the philosophy of science and chemistry complemented this.
What was your first chemistry job? How did you get to where you are today?
My first job that paid some reasonable money (thus not considering my post-doc) was at the Alberta Environmental Centre in Vegreville. I was hired on a contract term as a laboratory scientist to develop a couple of pesticide methods. This allowed me the time to apply for a more permanent job. From then on, it was mainly from my contacts and through word of mouth that alerted me to new opportunities and job openings. I have been a Chief Chemist, a research and development (R&D) supervisor, Environmental Specialist, QA/QC Officer, Technical Manager as well as a Consulting Scientist. All these experiences amalgamated very well for my job.
How has being a P.Chem. helped your career as a chemist in the province of Alberta?”
The ACPA helped me develop many contacts with chemists like me to find practical [chemical] solutions to problems. Looking at career paths and advancement of other professional ACPA chemists helped me with my own career ambitions and progression. ACPA also provided me with leads on numerous collaborative projects with fellow Professional Chemists. Being a PChem further helped me by providing recognition, that is, Exova/Element recognized me (and the other PChems in the company) as a professional and this brought with it respect and a bit of prestige. When I was a recruiter, I looked for a professional designation as a good pre-screening tool.
What advice would you give a young chemist starting his or her career?
When you look at the scope of chemistry, which is quite extensive, a chemist could be involved in many activities. School will give you the specialization, the ability to think critically, and to complete projects and research. These are all good attributes to have, and they show you your expertise and proficiency. That is not enough. You need to consider your soft skills like communication, teamwork, business sense, leadership. They may be extra to the regular curriculum, but they are very necessary in any job and career. Please take courses in these either as options or after you graduate. Nowadays they may hire you into a team and your specialization might be less important than the soft skills you bring into that team. Also, consider chemistry as a lifelong learning opportunity and take continuing education courses.
When you have a passion for chemistry, give presentations to kids at school or judge the projects of budding scientists at science fairs.