Engineers Week, February 22–28, is a national celebration led by DiscoverE that highlights how engineers shape the world around us. For chemical engineers, it is a chance to recognize the impact of our work, from safer processes and sustainable systems to the technologies that power modern life, and to inspire the next generation to pursue the profession.
As the global professional home for chemical engineers, AIChE brings together the expertise and community that make that impact possible. Engineers Week is not only a time to celebrate achievement, but also an opportunity to strengthen the connections that help chemical engineers solve problems and drive progress worldwide.
We spoke with Rob Crane, Technology Scouting and Venturing Lead at ExxonMobil, about his journey into chemical engineering, how creativity fuels innovation, and what he wishes he'd known as a student.
Was there a specific moment, class, project, or person that inspired you to pursue chemical engineering?
In high school, I was strong in math and science and knew I wanted to do something in those fields. But I wasn't sure what that looked like—I had no family members in technical careers to guide me. While researching colleges, I came across a description of chemical engineers as problem solvers who use math and chemistry. That clicked immediately! I loved the idea of applying those skills to solve real problems and create something new.
How is chemical engineering different from what most people expect?
Most people would be surprised by chemical engineering's breadth of impact. The fundamental skills we learn, defining problems, choosing the right boundary conditions, stating assumptions, and solving heat and material balances using first principles and data, apply to almost any challenge. Many people don't realize that chemical engineers play a crucial role in developing and scaling solutions for major challenges in health, agriculture, energy, water, climate, and manufacturing. We advance solutions that touch nearly every aspect of modern life.
How does engineering allow you to be creative or innovative?
Early in my career as a PhD chemical engineer, I focused on inventing new catalysts and processes. Over time, I've applied my skills more broadly across research, engineering, manufacturing, strategy, and new business creation in multiple industries. Every role demanded creativity and innovation in different ways to drive new results and give the organization capabilities it didn't have before. In my current role leading technology scouting and venturing, innovation means matching external opportunities with internal needs and connecting across and beyond my prior experiences and networks. Chemical engineering’s broad applicability makes us natural connectors, and for me, that has been a powerful enabler for innovation.
Looking back, what do you wish you had known as a student pursuing engineering?
I wish I had understood the importance of networks, which is really about partnership. I remember thinking that networking was something for people who didn't know how to do their own work. I think that was a product of schooling that's focused so intently on individual accomplishment. As an example, a PhD essentially certifies one's ability to conduct independent research.
Over time, I came to appreciate that meaningful achievements rarely happen alone. They happen through strong partnerships built on trust. The real fun comes when partners lean into what each person uniquely contributes. Looking back on my career, the most meaningful accomplishments were all the result of strong partnerships. When you build a network grounded in trust, there is nothing more powerful.
Beyond Engineers Week
Engineers Week highlights the impact chemical engineers have across industries and around the world. That work continues year round through collaboration, shared knowledge, and responsible professional practice.
AIChE connects chemical engineers through a global professional community and equips them with the resources and learning opportunities that support growth at every stage of their careers.
Celebrate Engineers Week by staying connected to the community that supports it every day of the year.
