Ryan Keever, a chemical engineering major from Jonesboro, Tennessee, worked for Eastman during his co-op.
Keever worked in the Chemicals Development Division, where he had a process improvement role in the Chemical Process Development Group. In this role, he worked in tandem with manufacturing and operations to optimize processes, make those processes more reliable and safer, and also develop ideas for growth and support growth projects. Specifically, he supported the Ketones manufacturing area where they produce specialty ketones for various customers.
When describing the benefits of his co-op, Keever said, “The most valuable benefit I have received through my co-op is the network I have been able to develop and the exposure to real life engineering applications. I have had the pleasure to work with some incredibly intelligent and passionate people that I know I can count on if I have any questions in the future. Also, these people will point me in the right direction for my career based off their experiences. The exposure to real life engineering is crucial to me because I am a hands-on learner. Through my co-op I’ve been exposed to real life problems and given the opportunity to solve those problems out in the field. I also love to see where knowledge I gain in school can be applied in real life and I have definitely seen that through my co-op.”