2025 Fall Conference Speakers Bio and Presentation Page
Educational Sessions - Day 1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 8am - 5pm
Morning Moderator
Gavin Reichman
CDI Products
Gavin Reichman is Director of Procurement at CDI Products, a Michelin Group company specializing in engineered polymer components. He holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business. With more than two decades of experience in investments, manufacturing, sales, and procurement, Gavin has built a career on strategic leadership. He is recognized for fostering collaboration across global supply chains, guiding high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence through strong leadership and partnerships.
Morning Speakers and Presentations
Andy Anderson
Technical Director
Eutsler Technical Products, Inc
Where Does My Stuff Come From?
When we mold, extrude, or cure a compound, we often focus on its performance and specifications. But behind every rubber design lies a complex global supply chain shaped by geopolitical dynamics, energy markets, and industrial infrastructure. This session will explore how global feedstocks, regional capacity, and refining trends shape what goes into our elastomers and what that means for performance and cost.
Andy Anderson is currently the Technical Director for Eutsler Technical Products in Houston, TX. He has been developing elastomer applications for over 27 years. His primary work focuses on providing technical assistance to customers using a mix of different polymers to accomplish this goal. He accomplishes this through research and development by performing innovative compounding and developing techniques using designs of experiments (DOE). Andy has an extensive background in chemistry and mathematics which allows for very resourceful designs. In addition, He has authored or co-authored many papers and presentations for the elastomer industry.
Before coming to the rubber industry, Andy served 10 years in military, first the U.S. Marine Corps and then the US Army. All his service was in armor, either as a tanker (M-60 and M-1 series tanks) or in armor reconnaissance. He served as a tank commander and later as a platoon sergeant. Andy completed his degree in mathematics and chemistry at the University of Louisville. After graduating he taught several mathematics courses at the Louisville Technical Institute.
Daniel Hertz III
President
Seals Eastern
Elastomer Fundamentals
Seals, o-rings, gaskets and packer elements all share a common heritage: polymers whose physical state can range from rubbery, glassy or crystalline and combinations thereof. This presentation examines chemistry and mechanical concepts that apply to polymers in general, but primarily examines elastomers. These concepts provide the sealing application engineer a foundation to better understand elastomer behavior in application.
Daniel Hertz III, President/CEO of Seals Eastern Inc, has over forty years experience in elastomer compound formulation, seal design, and the manufacture of compounds and seals. He earned a BS from University of Colorado, an MS from Stevens Institute of Technology, and a JD from Brooklyn Law School. He has authored numerous technical papers on high performance elastomers in extreme applications and other topics relevant to the seal industry.
Dr. Jose Briones
Market Manager
Orion Engineered Carbons
Acetylene Black in Rubber Applications – Unique Characteristics compared to Furnace Carbon Blacks
Acetylene Black can be used to formulate rubber compounds which are both electrically conductive and have a high thermal conductivity. This makes rubber compounds anti-static, a vital safety feature in oil handling where ignition hazards are a concern and with superior thermal stability, ensuring rubber can endure the extreme heat and temperature fluctuations found in oil industry applications.
Dr. Jose Briones is Market Manager for Orion Carbons in Houston, TX.
Dr. Briones has experience in the specialty chemicals, materials and technology industries. He has led the development and commercialization of 40 new products and has been named as inventor in seven patents. Dr. Briones’ rubber industry experience includes production and R&D of styrene-butadiene and natural rubber, manufacturing of reinforced rubber assemblies and commercialization of Carbon Black for rubber applications.
Kevin Ballard
Principal Scientist
Alpine Polytech
There is a strong need and desire to better understand how the many different forms of data are used to evaluate and better yet, predict seal performance. Alpine has put a presentation together that attempts to “Connect the Dots” of materials properties, seal performance, and failure analysis. The examples focus on applications within the oil and gas industry that combine both laboratory and field experiences.
Kevin Ballard is a principal scientist at Alpine Polytech. Kevin has a BS in Biology and has been working at Alpine since 2017. Kevin has a broad range of polymer science experience including basic material properties, analytical methods, sour immersion testing, Life Estimation analysis, extrusion/RGD testing, and equipment pressure testing. Kevin currently oversees failure analysis projects as well as custom testing programs at Alpine. In his free time, he enjoys pen turning.
Education Sessions - Afternoon
Tuesday Afternoon Moderator
Haley Manno
Materials Engineer
ExxonMobil
Haley Manno is a Materials Engineer with a Bachelor of Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, she is working as a Materials Integrity Engineer in ExxonMobil Product Solution Company located in Baytown, Texas. Since joining ExxonMobil in 2022, she has lead testing, evaluation, and failure analysis of coatings and nonmetallic materials used in the oil and gas industry.
Afternoon Speakers and Presentations
Craig Watkinson
Staff Engineer
XMEK
Solubility Parameters: More than Compatibility!
Craig spent the last 30 years in the field of Seals and Sealing covering everything from Oring specs to the design of complex solutions such landing gear like the A380 & F1 cars. As Head of Technology at ERIKS S&P UK and various positions at Greene, Tweed ending as Technical Training Lead. Coming back to the dark side at Xmek 2 years ago following a 3 year holiday designing and developing coatings and piston rings working with WinGD and MAN, for some of the largest maritime combustion Engines.
Holly Santu
Materials Scientist
PPE
Testing Unknowns: A Learning Approach to Hydrogen Sealing
In the absence of established standards, PPE designed a phased test regime to explore elastomer performance in hydrogen environments. This presentation shares unexpected findings, challenges assumptions, and reflects on how iterative learning shaped our approach – offering a model for navigating uncertainty in emerging energy technologies.
Holly Santu is a Materials Scientist at PPE with a Master’s in Chemistry. She specializes in the research and development of elastomer materials for critical sealing solutions across industries, including energy. Her work focuses on advancing material performance in demanding environments, with a strong interest in innovation through empowered teams and data-driven experimentation, leveraging DOE platforms to accelerate learning and development.
Dr. Kevin Kulbaba
Technical Service Manager
ARLANXEO
Rubber Solutions for H2 Fueled Mobility
This presentation explores the performance of various elastomers in hydrogen fuel cell systems, focusing on permeation, physical properties, and chemical resistance. The study highlights findings on HNBR and EPDM compounds, demonstrating their potential as effective sealing materials in standard hydrogen fuel cell applications as well as discusses how polymer type, filler, and loading will influence gas permeation in butyl rubber which can be extended to various sealing applications.
Dr. Kevin Kulbaba studied Chemistry at Western University and then obtained his PhD in Inorganic Polymer Chemistry at the University of Toronto. He is currently working for ARLANXEO Inc., in London, Ontario, Canada with over 25 years of experience in the field of polymer science, including 20 years of elastomer and rubber compounding. Kevin is currently a Technical Development manager focused on the North America market for tire and specialty applications.
Jason Knapp
Sales and Marketing Engineer
Arkema
Sustainable Oil and Gas Polymers from Development to Use
This presentation will give a short summary of where polymers are essential in the oil and gas industry, as well as highlight two sustainable polymers used extensively both onshore and offshore. One of these polymers has a unique bio-based origin, and the other provides great durability and reduces waste for oil and gas producers. The presentation will detail why durability and sustainable origins are able to display sustainability for the energy industry.
Jason Knapp is a sales and marketing engineer at Arkema, who focuses on end use applications for fluoropolymers in the oil and gas industry. He is a member of API 15S for spoolable composite pipelines, as well as ASTM and ASME standards committees. He has authored numerous papers on the importance of material selection for the chemical processing, oil and gas, and wire and cable industries.
Educational Sessions - Day 2 - Wednesday, Sept 17 from 8am - 12pm
Morning Moderator
Nicki Hershberger
V.P. Technical Consulting
Akron Rubber Development Laboratory Inc.
Nicki Hershberger, V.P. of Technical Consulting at Akron Rubber Development Inc., has 29 years of rubber experience in compound development, setting up production processes, engineering new products, and market development. She is a graduate of Kent State University and is an instructor for the ACS Rubber Division and has substantial experience in carbon black, custom rubber mixing, compound development, and testing.
Morning Speakers and Presentations
Junpei Terada
VP of New Business Development
Daikin America, Inc
Fluoro-materials solution in O&G Application
The exceptional properties of fluoro materials meet the demanding requirements of oil drilling applications, where they are used in harsh operating environments. At this time, we would like to introduce the variety of Fluoro-materials solution in O&G application.
Junpei graduated with a master degree from Kyoto Institute of Technology Graduate School on March 2006. Joined Daikin Industries, Ltd. as a member of the R&D dep. Chemicals Div. on Apr. 2006, and belonged to development of fluoroelastomer as well as FFKM. In 2016, joined Marketing Dep, and resposible for battery materials. From 2022, responsible for battery materials R&D and global business. Then shifted to Daikin America, Inc. from July 2025 as VP of New Business Development.
Zak Eckel
Business development Manager
Arkema
Advanced Polymer Solutions for Energy Applications: PEKK and Polyimide
Zak Eckel is a Business Development Manager for Arkema's High Performance Polymers Business Unit. He has over 15 years' experience in the development and commercialization of materials and processes spanning various industries including aerospace, automotive, semiconductor and additive manufacturing. He holds a BS in chemical engineering from Northeastern University, MS in chemical engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the University of California Los Angeles.
Anna Lauersdorf
Research Scientist
Syensqo
Torlon® PAI: A Tough Polymer for Tough Environments
Torlon® polyamide-imide (PAI) offers outstanding mechanical properties at a continuous use temperature of 260 °C (500 °F). Torlon transforms into a thermoset after curing, enabling excellent friction and wear properties, creep resistance, and chemical resistance. These properties afford applications like seals, gaskets, compressors, bushings, and bearings. Besides melt processing, solvent or waterborne systems of Torlon® PAI provide protective coatings and adhesives for oil and gas applications.
Dr. Anna Lauersdorf supports R&D on polyamide-imides (PAI) as a Research Scientist with Syensqo. She has been with Syensqo for three years, excitedly transitioning into industry after earning her PhD in polymer chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill. For the past ten years, she has studied aromatic polymers for extreme environments in gas separation to water purification and remains passionate about implementing polymer-based solutions to improve overall quality of life.
Mark Chapman
Principal Analyst - OFS
Enverus
North American Oil & Gas: Pricing, Activity and Outlook
Mark leads the Oilfield Services Intelligence coverage at Enverus, which focuses supply, demand, and utilization of service lines such as drilling, completions and oilfield consumables and the impact to well cost across North America.
Technical Sessions - Day 3 - Thursday, Sept 18 from 8am - 5pm
Morning Moderator
Jason LaBorde
Business Manager - Fluoropolymers
AGC Chemicals Americas
Jason LaBorde graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has been in the polymer industry since 2008, where he worked in the sealing solutions business. In 2018, he joined AGC Chemicals Americas as a Sales and Marketing Manager for fluoropolymer resins and compounds. Jason is currently the Business Manager - Fluoropolymers at AGC Chemicals Americas, where he is responsible for developing and managing the business strategy for AGC’s fluoropolymer product portfolio in North America. He currently serves on the Executive Committee for the PLASTICS Fluoropolymers Division.
Morning Speakers and Presentations
Jennifer Chickola
Technical Service and Development Engineer
Dupont
Polyimide for Wear and Sealing Applications in Extreme Environments
Jennifer Chickola is a mechanical engineer passionate about plastics! She attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 2018. She has been with Dupont since 2019 and has worked within the Kapton business and the Vespel business. She has been an applications engineer with the Vespel business for 4 years and mainly supports the industrial markets.
Diallo Smith
Technical Service Engineer
AGC FPC Technical Overview
Diallo Smith is a Technical Service Engineer at AGC for 3 years specializing in PTFE and Filled PTFE Compounds. He graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. His work experience includes 4 years at Northrop Grumman working on propellant chemistry. Diallo was born and raised in Maryland.
Nikhil Pimpalkar
CTD Engineer
Syensqo
Advanced Polyetheretherketone (PEEK XT) - Expanding Material Limits for Energy Applications
Nikhil Pimpalkar is a Technical Development Engineer at Syensqo with a B.E. in Polymer Engineering (Pune University) and an M.S. in Plastics Engineering (UMass Lowell). With 7+ years’ experience in product development, processing, and material innovation, he advances high-performance polymer solutions for demanding applications in the energy sector.
Keyur Somani
Non Metallic Material Specialist
Element
Non Metallic Materials Performance in Hydrogen Environment
This study examines the behaviour of thermoplastics and elastomers under the extreme conditions commonly encountered in CCUS and hydrogen applications, which include high pressures and high temperatures. Selected thermoplastics and elastomeric materials are evaluated for their gas compatibility, chemical resistance, and mechanical integrity when exposed to CO? (carbon dioxide) and H? (hydrogen) gases.
Keyur is a polymeric material expert with over 18 years of experience working with elastomers, thermoplastics, and composites materials used in oil and gas applications. His expertise includes evaluating the long-term performance of non-metallic materials in hostile environments characterised by high temperatures and pressures, including exposure to sour gases.
Afternoon Moderator
Neil Mendes
CEO
Alpine Polytech
Neil is the CEO of Alpine Polytech an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited Laboratory providing material and equipment performance testing and consulting services. Prior to Co-founding Alpine Polytech, Neil spent 20 years with Greene, Tweed & Company, the last 15 years in executive management. From 2009-2014, Neil was Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Greene, Tweed Company, prior to that (2001-2009), he served as General Manager/Vice President of the Energy Business.
Afternoon Speakers and Presentations
Dr. Kevin Kulbaba
Technical Service Manager
ARLANXEO
HNBR Polymer Selection and Compounding Strategies to Meet Demanding Applications
Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) is a high-performance elastomer with excellent resistance to heat, oil, and chemicals. This presentation explores the structure-property relationships and compounding strategies of NBR and HNBR, focusing on enhanced mechanical and thermal performance. Applications in the oil and gas industry will be highlighted, showing how HNBR improves the durability and reliability of seals, hoses, belts, and downhole components for demanding environments.
Dr. Kevin Kulbaba studied Chemistry at Western University and then obtained his PhD in Inorganic Polymer Chemistry at the University of Toronto. He is currently working for ARLANXEO Inc., in London, Ontario, Canada with over 25 years of experience in the field of polymer science, including 20 years of elastomer and rubber compounding. Kevin is currently a Technical Development manager focused on the North America market for tire and specialty applications.
Buc Slay
CTO
Alpine Polytech
Elastomer Compatibility with Ammonia in Traditional and In-Situ Test Methods
Joerg Stumbaum
Division Manager Rubber
UNIMATEC Chemicals Europe GmbH
ELTAS® FFKM – Perfluoroelastomers for Ultrahigh Demanding Applications
Whenever sealing solutions must maintain their function under extreme conditions like the presence of aggressive chemicals and high temperatures, perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) are the only available solution. UNIMATEC recently introduced ELTAS® FFKM, a series of base polymers, pre-compounds and full compounds designed to deliver excellent performance for ultra-high demanding applications like oil & gas exploration, aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing.
Joerg has degrees in Polymer Chemistry and Rubber Technology.
2010-2011 Project Chemist Research & Development at Armacell
2012-2012 Manager Global R&D Thermoplastics at Armacell
2012-2016 Technical Marketing Manager at Lanxess, Cologne
2016-2019 Technical Marketing Manager at Arlanxeo, Cologne
2019-2023 Manager Packaging Systems & Customer Projects at Vetter Pharma
Since October 2023 Division Manager Rubber at Unimatec Chemicals Europe,
Weinheim, Germany
