Byron is a 1971 graduate of the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. Upon graduating, Byron took a job with Pfizer Inc. where he would spend his entire career. He started out at the Terre Haute, IN plant in the manufacturing division before becoming plant manager. He retired as the Senior Director of Procurement for the entire company, overseeing 14 plants in North America, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. He saved the company over $1B during his time leading the procurement of the manufacturing division. While at Pfizer, he earned an MBA from the University of New Haven. The Harrod family have given back significantly to Purdue and remain active Chemical Engineering Ambassadors.

Dr. Marshbanks is a managing director and general partner at First Analysis coordinating investment and research in medical and pharma technology along with clean-tech and chemicals. First Analysis is a leading venture capital investor that has one of the longest records in venture capital, having invested more than $800 million across multiple highly diversified funds over four decades. First Analysis invests mainly in North America with a focus on sectors of expertise: Technology/SaaS, Healthcare, and Environmental Technology. He specializes in businesses where chemical and medical technologies are a key differentiating element. Prior to joining First Analysis in 1999, he held several positions with Amoco Corp. ranging from R&D to Marketing & Capital Planning. He earned an MBA from the University of Chicago, a doctorate in chemical engineering from Purdue University, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Colorado State University. He has served as a director for several companies including Vida AI, Current Ways Technology, CheckPoint Surgical, Medicinal Genomics and serves on many boards.

Dr. Seqwana Pryor, PhD ChE 1995, also holds a B.A. in Chemistry and Mathematics from Talladega College and an executive business certification from The Wharton School. Dr. Pryor most recently was appointed Executive Vice President, Chemical Manufacturing for XL Batteries. Her technical acumen and leadership have been demonstrated throughout a notable 18-year tenure at DuPont, where she held numerous high-impact roles—from Research Engineer to Manufacturing Technology Integration Leader. Her work in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Process Safety has advanced operational excellence across multiple business units and high-hazard processes. In 2016, she co-founded PryCor Technologies, LLC, offering strategic consulting services in operational excellence and manufacturing due diligence. Her expertise has been a critical asset to chemical and food industry partners nationwide, underscoring her deep knowledge in navigating complex manufacturing environments. Beyond her technical accomplishments, Dr. Pryor is a model of service-driven leadership. She serves on multiple boards and advisory committees, including The Biome Charter School, Harris-Stowe State University STEM Advisory Board, and the HEAL Center of the Arts. Her commitment to youth and STEM education is reflected in her roles with Girls, Inc., the National Society of Black Engineers, and as a First Lego League judge. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the AIChE Management Division Awards Committee and has held leadership positions within Jack and Jill of America, Inc. In every facet of her career, Dr. Pryor brings a rare combination of technical excellence, strategic insight, and compassionate service. Her work continues to leave a lasting impact not only on the industries she serves but also on the communities she uplifts.

Dr. Rob Scott is Vice President, Intraocular Devices R&D at Alcon. Prior to Alcon, he was Director of Polymer Research for CIBA Vision Corporation, a Novartis company. CIBA Vision is a global leader in the research, development and manufacturing of contact lenses and lens care products. Dr. Scott joined CIBA Vision in 2006 and was responsible for creating enabling material technologies for innovative contact lens products. In prior positions with Alcon Laboratories and with the Ethicon division of Johnson & Johnson, he was involved in the development and launch of various medical device products, including intraocular lenses and surgical meshes. Dr. Scott was the former Chair for the Ophthalmic Biomaterials Special Interest Group, Society for Biomaterials and is currently a member of the American Chemical Society and Society for Biomaterials. He graduated with his BS from University of Alabama and earned his PHD and MSChE from Purdue and was a GAANN Fellow and Graduate Researcher with Emory University. He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2019 for contributions in ophthalmological biomaterials for intraocular lenses, glaucoma implants, and surgical equipment.