The Chemical and Biological Engineering Department is pleased to present the 36th Annual Hugh M. Hulburt Memorial Lecture by Concetta La Marca, Senior Principal Consultant at Chemours.
Concetta La Marca will present a seminar titled "Industrial Reaction Engineering: Bridging Research, Practical Fundamentals, and Product Innovation."
Modern chemical manufacturing relies on the practical application of core engineering principles to solve technical and business challenges. In this lecture, I will share highlights from my career at DuPont and Chemours, emphasizing how reaction kinetics and reactor design are implemented in industrial settings. Using refrigerant chemistry as a case study, I will demonstrate how fundamental principles guide process and product development and support compliance with evolving regulations. Throughout my journey, the guidance of experienced mentors shaped my approach to complex problems, technical growth, and professional development. I will also discuss the importance of passing these lessons on—mentoring new engineers, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and engaging with the broader scientific community. The talk offers a firsthand perspective on the role of chemical engineers in translating research into industrial practice, advancing innovative products, and building a culture of mentorship in industry.
Concetta La Marca is Senior Principal Consultant in Reaction Engineering at Chemours, with a distinguished career advancing industrial chemical processes and product development. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware, a B.S. from MIT, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Delaware. Dr. La Marca’s expertise includes reaction kinetics, reactor design, microkinetic modeling, and scale-up of fluorochemical and refrigerant processes.
Her work has been recognized with election to the National Academy of Engineering (2025) for contributions to advanced, environmentally sustainable refrigerants. Dr. La Marca has served as adjunct faculty at Rowan University. She is deeply committed to mentoring emerging engineers, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and engaging with the broader scientific community.
Dr. La Marca is an active leader in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), serving as Fellow and Board member, and in the International Symposium on Chemical Reaction Engineering (ISCRE), where she currently serves as its President. She has contributed to editorial boards, authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, and holds several patents. Her dedication to mentorship, collaboration, and professional service continues to shape the field of reaction engineering.
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