Vivian Le
Vivian Le (chemical engineering '27) grew up experimenting with DIY slime
recipes and dissecting episodes of How It's Made, so Drexel and its
signature co-op program was a natural choice. Now finishing her second co-op
at Axalta, that early fascination has evolved into professional expertise in
automotive coating formulations.
"Even as a nine-year-old with limited supplies, I loved experimenting,
tweaking ingredients, and trying to understand the chemistry behind what
made it work," she said. "That hands-on curiosity, testing components,
observing changes, and learning through trial and error sparked my interest
in engineering."
Le is now finishing her third co-op experience, at Axalta's Global Innovation
Center. There, she works on their formulations team. There, she researches
and tests water-borne coating formulations as well as electrodeposition –
metal-based coating processes – for automotive paints. For Le, it was a step
away from her previous co-ops in pharmaceuticals and packaged goods.
"Throughout my prior experiences, I realized that I thrive in R&D
environments," she said. "The hands-on work, the tangible outcomes, and the
constant learning have all been incredibly valuable for my early career
development."
She was drawn to Axalta for the same reason she chose Drexel: the
opportunity for meaningful hands-on experience. Through the company's
mentorship program, Le works directly with a scientist to build her skills,
most notably in evaluating corrosion. In the course of less than six months,
she's supported over 100 samples spanning different metal types, coating
formulas, and more. Data on corrosion fuel the creation of increasingly
durable and innovative products.
Another life lesson was chemical handling safety. In the classroom, Le
worked with Professor Walters to understand how different types of gloves
assist in specific classes of chemical exposure. In the field, she continues
to deepen her understanding of how choosing the right material can make a
significant difference in levels of precaution in real-world laboratory
practice.
Beyond the lab, Le has networked with other members of the coatings industry
through town halls and company events. She's even taken on one-on-one
conversations with Axalta professionals to understand others' career paths
and evaluate her long-term goals.
Le’s time at Axalta has reinforced what she discovered in previous co-ops:
she thrives in R&D environments. "The hands-on exposure I'm gaining now
is exactly the kind of foundation I want before I eventually pursue an MBA,"
she said. "I believe that truly understanding the technical details and the
processes behind a product will make me a far more effective leader, someone
who can make informed decisions, improve efficiencies, and manage teams with
a strong sense of practicality and purpose."
For now, she's focused on making the most of her remaining time in the lab.
"A major personal goal of mine is to create tangible and positive change
through research. Both by learning and by contributing to innovation. I'm
driven by a deep passion for discovery and the willingness to fail, adjust,
and refine to understand what works better and why."