Stephanie Burns
USABiography of Stephanie Burns
Stephanie Burns was born in Wyoming in 1955 to a real estate agent's daughter and a professor and English language and history teacher. She excelled in her education, earning a bachelor's degree from the International University of Miami and later defending a doctoral dissertation in organic chemistry at Iowa State University.
Career in Dow Corning
After completing her education, Burns pursued a career in silicon organic chemistry, focusing on compositions that contain both carbon and silicon. Given her knowledge, skills, and abilities, it was no surprise that she expressed a desire to work at Dow Corning, a leader in the production of silicon organic products.
Burns dedicated her attention to silicone, a material that is widely used in various industries, ranging from hand creams to state-of-the-art spacesuits. She extensively studied silicone and made significant discoveries, such as developing a method to obtain fire-resistant rubber from silicone, thus earning two patents for her invention. Additionally, she received a third patent for inventing a new silicon polymer.
Her work at Dow Corning proved to be successful, and Burns rapidly grew in her role as a researcher, gaining valuable experience. She was later sent to Europe for an internship, where she had the incredible opportunity to observe scientific research in Brussels, Belgium, and other cities.
First Female President of Dow Corning
In 2000, Burns returned to the United States to assume the position of Vice President at Dow Corning. Just three years later, in 2003, she made history by becoming the first female President of the company. Dow Corning is the largest producer of silicone products, widely used in various fields such as optics, pulp and paper industry, solar energy, semiconductors, and more. Burns continues to utilize her scientific understanding and business acumen to drive the company's growth and development.
