Katelyn Kirchner
Glass Process Scientist at CelSian
- Role
- Glass Process Scientist at Celsian
- Location
- Toledo, OH, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Katelyn Kirchner
Glass Process Scientist | R&D Innovator | Trainer at CelSian Academy | Certified College Professor I’m a Glass Process Scientist working on research and factory development projects, bringing modeling and data-driven approaches to address complex industrial challenges. Building rigorous, physics-based models only takes us part of the way—success also depends on well-trained and motivated employees. That’s why I also serve as a Project Leader and Trainer for CelSian Academy, where we design tailored, in-company trainings that strengthen both technical expertise and a stronger sense of ownership in their work.My passion? Exploring the fascinating world where disorder becomes design. From atomic vibrations in thin films to large-scale industrial processes, I thrive at the frontier of what is known—and what is still waiting to be discovered.Over the past decade, I’ve built expertise in statistical mechanics, glass physics, heat transfer, optical properties, and process modeling. But more than that, I enjoy connecting people with ideas: translating complex physics and chemistry into practical insights, whether in a classroom, a seminar, or on the factory floor.Honors and awards include the Morgan Medal Global Distinguished Doctoral Dissertation Award, 2022 International Year of Glass Future Fellow, 2020 Society of Glass Technology Oldfield Award, 2019 Astronaut Scholar, and 2024 Robert E. Newnham Awardee for Research Excellence.Always learning, always developing, always teaching—and always curious about what’s just beyond the horizon.
Experience
Glass Process Scientist
Aug 2024 — Present · Toledo, OH, US
My role at CelSian focuses on fundamental R&D projects for the glass industry and designing and leading Trainings. No two weeks look the same, but current projects of particular interest include- Technical Core Team Member for Department of Energy (DOE)/ Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC)\'s Advanced Electric Melting to Decarbonize Commercial Glass project. With partners at PNNL, TECO, and RoMan Manufacturing, we are investigating potential solutions to fundamental challenges that prevent widespread adoption of fully Electric Glass Melters - including chemistry of foaming, glass quality, reduced glasses, and furnace lifetime- Project Lead for CelSian\'s Department of Energy (DOE) ISEED (Industrial Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Decarbonization) Collaborative: designing and rolling out specialized training programs for furnace operations including modules on Hands-On Hot Repair, Sustainable Furnace Operations, and Working End Operations. These are intended to create strong pathways for workforce upskilling and to be adopted nationally through the ISEED Collaborative- Involvement in GlassTrend and client-specific projects. While details remain confidential, this work strengthens global innovation pipelines in glass manufacturing.
Education
Downingtown Stem Academy
High School Diploma, Applied Science and Engineering Pathway
2012 — 2016
Penn State University
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Materials Science and Engineering
2020 — 2024
Penn State University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Materials Science and Engineering
2016 — 2020
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