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Academy of Chemical Engineers Inducts Two

Emer OBroin Gunter (left) and Paul D. Payne were inducted into the Academy of Chemical Engineers.

Two accomplished graduates of West Virginia University's Department of Chemical Engineering were inducted into the department's Academy of Chemical Engineers at its recent meeting.

Paul D. Payne is a native West Virginian and a longtime employee of ExxonMobil; Emer OBroin Gunter is a citizen of Ireland who has been with Monsanto throughout her career. Both have contributed greatly to their professions and to society since their days at WVU.

"We are delighted to induct these two distinguished individuals into the Academy," said Dady Dadyburjor, professor and chair of chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. "Through their professional contributions and their service to others, they honor our profession, our state and our university."

A native of Scotland and a citizen of Ireland, Emer OBroin Gunter came to the United States in 1966, and earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from WVU in 1980. She has worked for Monsanto, a multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation, since then, rising through the ranks to her current position as vice president for environmental safety, health and human rights.

Under Gunter's leadership in these areas, injuries at Monsanto have been reduced by more than 50 percent in the past six years, the company's eco-efficiency has improved, conditions for migrant workers have been improved, and Monsanto is helping to transform safety and human rights in agriculture.

Gunter serves on the Wildlife Habitat Council Board of Directors and the Advisory Board for the Center for Chemical Process Safety. She is a charter member of the WVU Foundation Mountaineer Executives and is active in global conservation and sustainability efforts.

She earned a master of business administration in international business from St. Louis University in 1993, and currently lives in Missouri with her family.

Paul D. Payne, a native of Charleston, earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from WVU in 1987. Following graduation, Paul began his career with Exxon Chemical Company as a process engineer in Baytown, Texas. Following a series of technical assignments, he moved into operations management for the company in 1990 and became engineering manager for the Baytown Area in 1995, assuming responsibility for all capital projects.

Payne next moved to the company headquarters to become the Americas planning manager for the polyethylene business and product manager for the high-density film business.

With the Exxon-Mobil merger in 2000, Paul moved to the Univation Technology Joint Venture with Dow Chemical as the director of the global catalyst business. In 2002, Paul returned to manufacturing as the Beaumont polyethylene plant site manager. In 2006, he assumed his current position as global manufacturing manager for the films business.

Paul lives with his wife in Luxembourg and continues to work for ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

06/17/2009