For a second-year chemical engineering major at the University of Cincinnati, a co-op experience at American Rheinmetall has proven to be a game changer in understanding the ropes of manufacturing. William Walker, a local Milford native, spent his summer working at the company's sole rubber plant in St. Marys, Ohio, delving into the sustainability of rubber compounds used in heavy machinery. This insight was shared by the University of Cincinnati in their latest feature.
Walker's primary assignment was to fully integrate modified soybean oil into rubber compounds—a potential eco-friendly alternative to typical aromatic-based oils. The goal here was to demonstrate that soybean oil could indeed be marketed as a sustainable option for rubber track applications. He told the University of Cincinnati, “At a rubber plant you have a bunch of different types of rubber compounds, each with their own formulations and each ingredient has a specific job.” He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that all chemicals work seamlessly together.
Apart from the main project, Walker also engaged in a capability analysis on rubber sheets produced by the plant, which required him to closely collaborate with sales engineers to address sensor failures during the process. His stint at American Rheinmetall not only garnered him the "Intern of the Year" title but also exposed him to various departments and roles within the company. “I got the chance to work with different interns in quality and defense at the company and I had informational interviews with employees in HR, purchasing and quality control throughout the summer,” Walker elaborated in an interview.
Located just two hours north of Cincinnati, St. Marys offered Walker a snapshot of independent living and full-time employment, a valuable complement to his academic journey. He has already emphasized the importance of communication in such environments stating, “Being able to communicate across levels of an organization, whether you're talking with an operator or a senior engineer, is vital to the success of any project you're working on.” This reflects his takeaway from his experience at American Rheinmetall, as he further explained in statements obtained by the University of Cincinnati.
Walker is currently engaged in his second co-op at the Cincinnati Technology Center of LyondellBasell, another industry giant. As a proponent of sustainable living solutions in the chemical arena, this co-op provides him a different perspective to forge his career path. Walker's broad interests in chemical engineering positions him well for flexible career choices, a sentiment echoed by his accolades and scholarship recognitions, including the Marian Spencer Scholarship and the Ohio Governor’s Merit Scholarship. Cindy Jones, director of the Marian Spencer Scholarship program, spoke highly of Walker, “His quiet leadership, clear communication, integrity, and compassion reflect a deep commitment to collaboration, team building, and service —core values of the Marian Spencer Scholars Program,” she told the University of Cincinnati.
