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    • Traci Purdum

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    Editor-in-Chief

    Traci Purdum, an award-winning business journalist with extensive experience covering manufacturing and management issues, is a graduate of the Kent State University School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent, Ohio, and an alumnus of the Wharton Seminar for Business Journalists, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

    Podcast: Butterflies of Bhopal -- Lessons Written in Blood

    Traci Purdum
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Chemical engineer Ramin Abhari’s graphic novels communicate the lessons learned from major process safety incidents.

    BASF’s Anne Berg Credits an Unplanned Career Path for Her Success

    Traci Purdum
    Dec. 6, 2024
    Her journey exemplifies professional growth through curiosity, adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities.

    What Have We Learned from the Pemex LPG Explosion in Mexico City?

    Traci Purdum
    Nov. 26, 2024
    On the 40th anniversary, it’s paramount to keep the memory of these incidents alive to avoid making the same deadly mistakes.

    Researchers Transform Toxic Tires

    Traci Purdum
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Scientists at the University of Delaware develop a method to remove toxic particles from discarded tires.

    Pemex’s Deadly Incident Points To Poor Alert Systems

    Traci Purdum
    Nov. 20, 2024
    Recent analysis questions whether more can be done to alert first responders and the community in case of emergency.

    Slideshow: Quotable Podcast Quotes

    Traci Purdum
    Nov. 12, 2024
    From the IChemE Safety Centre, the Center for Operator Performance, Suncor Energy and more...folks have a lot to say about the chemical industry.

    Albemarle Cuts Workforce Again

    Traci Purdum
    Nov. 8, 2024
    For the second time in 2024 the Charlotte-based manufacturing company announces layoffs to offset major sales declines.

    Direct Air Capture Reactor Touts Hydrogen Coproduction

    Traci Purdum
    Nov. 1, 2024
    The new reactor design could help solve the pressing problem of emission impacts on the climate and biosphere by enabling more agile and scalable carbon dioxide mitigation strategies...

    CSB Is Like a Dog with a Bone Investigating Safety Cases

    Traci Purdum
    Oct. 25, 2024
    Chemical Safety Board clears backlog, tackles eight new hazardous incident investigations.

    What Makes a Good Cyber Defense Strategy?

    Traci Purdum
    Oct. 23, 2024
    Human error accounts for 82% of data breaches. It’s important to identify vulnerabilities.

    Podcast: What Makes an Expert in the Chemical Industry?

    Traci Purdum
    Oct. 18, 2024
    It's not just about knowing more facts. Discover the 13 key characteristics that set real experts apart, from forming expectancies to mental simulations.

    Podcast: Lessons Learned from the Explosion at the Phillips Petroleum Complex

    Traci Purdum
    Oct. 15, 2024
    On the 35th anniversary of the deadly event we examine how routine maintenance can go horribly wrong.

    Manufacturing's Talent Hunt: Strategies for the Next Generation

    Traci Purdum
    Oct. 11, 2024
    Business journalists reveal tactics their audiences use to attract younger workers to manufacturing careers.

    3 Days And Out -- East Coast Port Strike Ends, Tentative Deal Reached

    Traci Purdum
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Dockworkers return as union and port operators strike tentative wage agreement, averting potential economic crisis.

    East Coast Port Strike Halts 90% of U.S. Chemical Shipments

    Traci Purdum
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Dockworkers' strike disrupts chemical supply chains; industry leaders urge action.

    Call for Papers: Cutting-Edge Water/Steam Chemistry, Cooling Water and Environmental Topics

    Traci Purdum
    Sept. 27, 2024
    Electric Utility and Cogeneration Chemistry Workshop is looking for presentations to ensure the next generation has sound technical knowledge.

    Diversity Isn’t a Dirty Word

    Traci Purdum
    Sept. 23, 2024
    BASF and Suncor buck the trend of ditching DEI programs proving they are tied to innovation and success.

    Podcast: Process Safety Meets Nancy Drew, James Bond and MacGyver

    Traci Purdum
    Sept. 17, 2024
    In this episode of Process Safety with Trish and Traci we interview Fiona Erskine, an engineer and crime novelist who has a passion for process safety.

    Podcast: Importance of Testing Operator Knowledge

    Traci Purdum
    Sept. 13, 2024
    The Center for Operator Performance developed a validated 47-question test on distillation knowledge administered across multiple companies. The test revealed variations in knowledge...

    Chemical Processing Book Club: Clean Up Contaminated Sites and Hopefully Avoid Lawsuits

    Traci Purdum
    Sept. 11, 2024
    David L. Russell says that mistakes caused by incompetence lead to expensive and incomplete cleanups. His book seeks to change that.

    Podcast: World’s First Process Safety Management Standard

    Traci Purdum
    Aug. 20, 2024
    Canada's standard takes an industry-agnostic approach. Its potential to influence global PSM practices and its role in setting benchmarks for organizations not covered by traditional...

    Courses Aim to Nix Mixing Problems

    Traci Purdum
    Aug. 16, 2024
    In-person courses will troubleshoot production and process problems

    Podcast: Next Generation of Operators Need Different Training

    Traci Purdum
    Aug. 9, 2024
    Operator roles have expanded beyond valve-turning. Future operators will need broader understanding of chemistry, equipment and instrumentation to effectively troubleshoot and...

    Podcast: Lessons Learned From 1994 Texaco Refinery Explosion

    Traci Purdum
    July 23, 2024
    Control system failures, alarm floods, maintenance issues and emergency response factored into this non-deadly incident.

    What Ditching The Chevron Deference Means for the Chemical Industry

    Traci Purdum
    July 19, 2024
    TSCA advocates and adversaries must be relentlessly compelling, fact-based and thorough in advocating for their positions in a Chevron-free world.

    Podcast: Fixing Fixation Problems in the Chemical Industry

    Traci Purdum
    July 12, 2024
    This cognitive bias has operators clinging to beliefs despite contrary evidence.

    Podcast: Corroded Pipe Elbow Sparks Explosion, Launches 38,000-lb Shrapnel

    Traci Purdum
    June 25, 2024
    The U.S. Chemical Safety Board identified five issues with the 2019 Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery fire and explosion: mechanical integrity, outdated equipment, lack of...

    Regulatory Burdens, Barbie and Taylor Swift Impact the Chemical Industry

    Traci Purdum
    June 21, 2024
    American Chemistry Council’s Chief Economist discusses the state of the chemical industry and what keeps her up at night.

    Tips To Get Your Motor Running

    Traci Purdum
    June 19, 2024
    Readers ask questions about their motors and our expert responds.