Q: Can you briefly describe your job function in your current position?
A: "I'm currently in my third CDP assignment, developing a new healthcare venture in our Strategic Planning office. My role changes as the project and its needs evolve, so I've been involved in everything from developing relationships with government groups and partner institutions, reviewing regulatory requirements, to making financial projections, writing our business plan, managing project milestones, to handling our intellectual property. Told you it was fun."

Q: What is your favorite thing about your current position?
A: "This assignment has been a lot of fun-well, all my assignments have been fun. What's particularly exciting about this one, though, is that we're working on a product that will directly impact our patient's lives by keeping them healthier. Another interesting thing is that since we're creating a new business, things are constantly evolving and the whole team has to adapt. Some phases have been more predictable than others, but for the most part, there is no such thing as a typical day. I like that."

Q: What made you want to join Air Products and what keeps you here?
A: "The most exciting aspect was the Career Development Program [link to CDP info], but everything else felt right, too. Everybody I talked to during my interviews was friendly and seemed to enjoy their job. I also got the sense that people have plenty of opportunities to learn new things and take on different challenges. Another factor that was important for me was location. This is a good area for my family, and with so many other great companies within commuting distance, I felt that my husband and I could solve our 2-PhD problem."

Q: What's your favorite thing about working at Air Products?
A: "I'd have to say the people. I have a lot of friends here and I've been amazed from day one by the caliber of people I get to work with. We have world-class experts-some literally wrote the book on whatever their field is, yet they're incredibly accessible and willing to teach anyone who wants to know or discuss your latest crazy idea."

Q: What has been your most interesting work day so far?
A: "Planting potatoes. I'm not even kidding. My manager says I shouldn't tell people this, but I was working on a project that involved seed treatment, so I wanted to see how a typical customer would use the product in a real-world situation. I called a local farmer and asked if I could come and watch him work, and he patiently answered my questions all day while we planted. It was a beautiful spring day, so I definitely didn't mind spending it outside."

Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: "My hobbies have shifted a bit since having a baby-hiking was replaced by nice long walks around the neighborhood. And I build a lot of block towers now . . . But I did start taking yoga at the Fitness Center last week."

Q: Where is your favorite vacation spot?
A: "We like to visit with family, but our favorite trip to date was a week we spent "canyon hopping" around Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Nature has a different scale in the South West, and there were times when we couldn't hike for more than a few minutes before another incredible view appeared and we just had to stop and take it in. Bryce Canyon was particularly breathtaking-almost extra-terrestrial."

Q: What is your favorite book?
A: "It's tough to pick one, but I'll go with "La gloire de mon père" by Marcel Pagnol. It's a modern classic, so I first read it in school. It's written from the point of view of the author when he was a young boy, but it's really about a family's summer vacation in Southern France. What I like about it is the way the author can recreate the relaxed feel of that area: you can almost hear the singing accent and smell the lavender as you read."