MONET’s Chicago convenings bring trainees and Industry Advisory Board (IAB) members into the same room to strengthen academic–industry connections and accelerate research translation. These conversations help trainees understand what “impact” can look like beyond the lab, including mentorship pathways, collaboration models, and how industry partners evaluate emerging technologies.

• Zachary Kean — Research Scientist, Chemical Science (Core R&D), Dow Chemical Company

• Milind Singh — Director, Global Formulation Development, BASF

• Brandon McGrail — R&D Manager, Synthesis, Arkema

• Michael Rössle — Managing Director, CoSTAR

• Cameron Brown — Group Leader, AFP Applications Research & Product Development, Eastman

• Rasika Dasanayake — Senior Manager, Strategic Business & Domain Development, SEKISUI CHEMICAL

By integrating IAB engagement into the Center-Wide Meeting, MONET is also building a durable partnership pipeline, turning relationships into concrete opportunities such as sponsored research, letters of support, and longer-term collaboration that advances technology transfer and societal benefit.