Get to Know a Member – Mike Mautino
1. What is your work and ACS (if applicable) title?
ACS: Former Pittsburgh Section ACS Councilor (21 years) and Director (3 years), Work: Product Line Manager, Covestro (retired)
2. How many years have you been in the ACS?
Only 26 Years 😊In the fall of 1996 I volunteered to become the Recognition Committee Chair for the newly formed Western Pennsylvania Technician Affiliate Group of the Pittsburgh Section. In 1997 I was granted “National Affiliate” status due membership rules at that time not granting non-degree chemical technicians full membership in the national ACS. It wasn’t until a year later, with the help of former Pittsburgh ACS Councilor Dr. Gordon McCarthy, that I was granted full membership in the society.
3. What is the biggest benefit of ACS Membership?
The ability to develop a local and national network of people working in the chemical enterprise is invaluable. The ability to collaborate and develop professional relationships across the region, and nationally, is so very important in today’s job market.
4. What did you want to be when you were a child?
I thought I wanted to be an architect until I got into college and discovered I couldn’t draw!
5. What made you fall in love with Chemistry?
It was when I first started to work in the bench lab and discovered I had knack for formulating polyurethane rigid insulating foam chemistry.
6. What is your favorite part of your career or job?
My former employer greatly valued and supported my ACS volunteer efforts, allowing me to pursue my interests in promoting the applied chemical technician profession and community outreach at the local and national level.
7. Which chemist, past or present, would you like to meet and why?
My favorite chemist would be Michael Faraday. Faraday started his science career as a chemical technician and went on to have such an impact in multiple science disciplines.