Chem Sci/Tech Award: we have a winner

Neall West graduated in 2007 from Saint Louis Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Technology as well as an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies. He began working in the QC lab at Jost Chemical Company, their first chemist on second shift and weekends. Due to his education and training, he is able to work autonomously with minimal supervision. This, in addition to being able to provide microbiological testing on weekends, allowed the company to dramatically expand production.

Besides the quality control testing of Jost’s many specialty chemicals, Neall is responsible for the maintenance and coordination of the company’s raw materials inventory. He is also tasked with providing assistance as needed for the R&D team and is an essential contact person when production line crews need lab support.

Neall’s high work standards contributed to the successful development of a new line of microencapsulated products, which will surely result in an even more diverse job description for Neall in the near future.

The success experienced by Jost Chemical due to having off-shift lab support contributed to Jost’s decision to hire two additional chemists so that the QC lab is now staffed almost around the clock.

Neall is currently working on his bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri–Saint Louis. He lives in south Saint Louis County with his wife, four children, and a bewildering array of pets.