Avani Patel

Avani Patel is the Senior Global R&D Director responsible for silicones process research for the Dow Consumer Solutions (DCS) business. In this role, she directs research for all silicone related process technologies for the Feedstocks & Intermediates and Performance Silicones & Specialty Materials businesses of Consumer Solutions, including product launches, process innovation, and manufacturing plant optimization.

Avani began her career with Dow in 1997 as a Research Engineer in Dow Core R&D in Midland, MI. Since then, she has held several increasingly impactful technical and leadership assignments including Sr. R&D leader in Engineering Sciences in Core R&D, R&D Director for Dow Energy Materials, Program Director for Consumer and Infrastructure Solution businesses in Core R&D and the Global R&D Director for Food, Pharma and Medical business.  Avani is an inventor on 7 granted patents and has authored more than 60 internal research reports.

Avani holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University, and Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from St. Xavier’s College of Gujarat University, India. Avani completed Executive Leadership programs through Michigan State University Eli Broad School of Business and from the Colombia Business School. She is a certified six sigma black belt.

Avani is an active member of AIChE currently serving as a vice chair of the Societal Impact Operating Council and has also served on the Career and Education Operating Council. She is the recipient of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) 2022 Global Leadership award recognizing her accomplishments as a global leader and role model to women in science and technology. She serves on the External Advisory Board for the Chemical Engineering and Material Science (ChEMS) department at Michigan State University and also serves on the Board of Directors for Midland Shelterhouse.

Avani is married and has two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys visiting her daughters, reading, and gardening.