Interview with Wayne Schammel, project leader PTA in collaboration between BP and Avantium

After nearly thirty-three years of service for BP and the former Amoco Chemicals which included seven years on PTA projects, Wayne Schammel sets off for retirement from BP with mixed feelings. ‘A lot has been accomplished over the past several years. Things that were considered to be challenging at the beginning were achieved. I am very proud of that, and the project continues to move forward. One thing is very clear; ‘In my opinion, with a good design of experiment, high throughput experimentation can be quite effective.'

One way to think of it is like looking for a needle in a haystack with high throughput as the metal detector. In a discovery program, it is not unusual for a high proportion of the experiments to produce negative results. However, with the ability to explore a number of design of experiments via high throughput experimentation you may be able to reach more valuable results sooner, and make it possible to progress a complex project.

In the early days of our work with Avantium we conducted many experimental designs. This allows for testing of a number of working hypotheses by experimentation followed by integration of the learnings in the next design of experiment. Avantium brings the expertise in High Throughput Experimentation with a skilled and responsive staff with breadth of scientific expertise. BP has been pleased with the program work and continues to look for opportunities to more broadly engage with Avantium in different technology areas.

Working with people who can do good science and have fun while doing it is essential to professional growth. I will miss the project team and the cooperation, not to mention my visits to Amsterdam'.

Avantium would like to thank Wayne for the years of joyful cooperation, and is looking forward to continue the working relationship with the other team members.