Dr Maryam Sepehr is a research scientist at Chevron Oronite Company, holding a B.Eng. degree from of Amir-Kabir University of Technology, M.S. from Ecole National Supérieure des Mines de Paris,
and Ph.D. (2004) from Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal, under the supervision of Professor Pierre Carreau, with thesis investigating experimental and computational rheological properties of short
fiber composites. During her post-doctoral research fellowship at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) – Industrial Material Institute (IMI), she studied polymer nanocomposite rheology
and methods to improve dispersion of nanoparticles in polymeric matrices. She continued at NRC – IMI from 2006 – 2008, as a research scientist with expertise in rheology, on several nanocomposite
projects of both fundamental and industrial importance.
In 2008, she joined Avery Dennison Corporate Research Center in Pasadena, CA, as technical team leader of rheology and thermal analysis team in Material Science and Characterization group
(2008 – 2012). During her 4 years with Avery Dennison, she rebuilt the rheology team and expertise of this large multi-national corporation, expanding technological competency, purchasing
equipment, developing training and mentorship programs to trains and mentor next generation of rheology and thermal practitioners and users across the globe.
In 2012, Maryam joined Chevron Oronite Company as a lead research scientist in viscosity modifiers and rheology. During her 8 years with Chevron, she has developed multiple new viscosity modifier
products critical to the function of modern multi-grade engine oils and other formulated lubricants. Her impact on the business has been significant, as she was the technical lead in developing
what is now the flagship product for the company. In addition to product development, she uses rheology to advance fundamental knowledge of lubricants and address formulating challenges.
Maryam has published 11 journal articles, 21 proceeding papers, one book chapter, with 1064 total citations. She has one patent application with others currently under review. Maryam has been an
author of 39 conference presentations. This is an impressive record given much of her technical contributions in industry cannot be publicly shared. Her work has also resulted in a number of
Chevron Recognition and Awards.
Maryam has been member of The Society of Rheology since graduate school and has been actively volunteering since 2009. Within The Society, she has served as Member at Large of The SOR Executive
Committee, organized the technical program, with co-chair Amy Shen, for the 86th SOR Annual Meeting in Philadelphia with 435 abstracts. She has served on and chaired The SOR Education committee,
organized short courses at annual meetings. She has served on the Diversity and Inclusion Ad Hoc/Standing committee, and as The SOR Representative on AIP Liaison Committee for Under-Representative
Minorities, LCURM. Maryam has organized, for the last 7 years, AIP Industrial – Students forum during The SOR Annual Meetings, as main organizer, seeking sponsors, panelists, and organizing annual
events. Maryam is also a member of the Canadian Society of Rheology (since 2007) and Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, STLE (since 2015).