AMES, Iowa — A chemical engineer who specializes in the commercialization of bio-based products will speak about industrial uses of soybeans Dec. 1 at Iowa State University.
Lee Walko, bio-based business development manager at Omni Tech International Ltd., will present, “Soybean Usage in Paints and Coatings” at 3 p.m. in the Center for Crops Utilization Research Technology Transfer Theater, Room 1951 of the Food Sciences Building. The event is free and open to the public.
Walko has more than 35 years of experience in the chemical industry. He has extensive experience in new business development, innovation and technology analysis. His professional experience includes a 30-year career at Dow Chemical Co. in a variety of roles, including research and development, technical service, commercialization and new business development.
He joined Omni Tech in 2012 serving as the commercialization manager for the coatings, paints and inks market segments. In 2014, Walko expanded his Omni Tech role to include leading the bio-based development program.
Walko earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and applied mathematics from the University of Colorado. He is a registered professional engineer in Michigan. Walko was the inventor on four patents during his career at Dow Chemical.
The seminar is sponsored by Iowa State’s Center for Crops Utilization Research, BioCentury Research Farm, Department of Food Sciences and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Bioeconomy Institute; the Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites; the Iowa Soybean Association; and the United Soybean Board.