From ChBE Student to Developer of the Next Generation of Batteries
When Dania Ghantous (B.S. ChE ’88, M.S. ChE ’91) traveled half-way across the globe to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, her intentions were to study computer science. During her first year enrolled in the program, she realized her fascination with engineering, her knack for solving problems, and her interest in math and science. Dania soon discovered chemical engineering was the degree for her and transferred programs to continue her education. The rest, as they say, was history.
Though Dania had found her niche, reaction back home was mixed since engineering was not a popular field for women to pursue. However, her family gave her constant encouragement throughout her education and the support needed in order to help her gain success academically and professionally. Dania adds, “Today, I’m the only female engineer in my family. I’m pleased to see that many of the obstacles that at one time precluded women from entering and succeeding in the engineering field are fading away.”
Dania came to IIT because of its great reputation internationally and its competitive, technical curriculum designed to give students the proper training to succeed in their fields. She found the ChBE program to be very demanding and worked very hard to maintain her grades. Throughout her studies, Dania was able to master problem solving, self-discipline and innovation, and apply this knowledge by conceptualizing, designing and executing her research work. She comments, “This combination of skills helped me move up in my career from a staff engineering position to a technical leader in the development of new technologies and products. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked on some cutting-edge technologies ranging from nanotechnology to clean technology, and, through the use of these skills, created innovative solutions along the way.”
After completing her Master’s of Science in chemical engineering, Dania accepted a research associate position with the Energy Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories. There she worked extensively on the development of advanced lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicle applications. She gained valuable experience related to battery technology and determined she wanted to specialize in energy storage. Dania remarks, “I also recognized that working on the development of a product is more appealing to me than just researching different aspects of a product. My experiences at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories provided me with the best initiation into the battery field, and because of that, I’m where I am today.”
Dania currently holds the position of Vice President of Technology and Battery Development at Imara Corporation, a lithium-ion battery company that develops and manufactures the next generation of advanced batteries. Her primary responsibility is to lead a team of 12 engineers and scientists to develop the company’s proprietary technology, and apply it to the design and development of lithium-ion batteries for use in power tools, outdoor power equipment and eventually the automotive market. As Vice President and the first employee hired by the company, she wears many hats, including product development, talent recruitment and executive leadership. She adds, “I enjoy the variety and challenges of my work, and the uniqueness that each day brings.”
In giving advice to future chemical engineers, Dania recommends that students plan their education and career carefully in order to have exposure in whichever discipline they choose to pursue. She continues, “You have to explore different specialties to see what you like and/or dislike, and continue to learn to further develop your knowledge so you can face new challenges.”
She’s come a long way from a Freshman computer science major at IIT to Vice President of a leading innovator in battery technology. Dania Ghantous is living proof of how hard work, determination, innovation and a thirst for problem solving can shape a career.
