Meet Mary Brown. As a division scientist in the Stationery and Office Supplies Division, Mary leads teams through the development, scale-up, and launch of household products under the Scotch™ and Post-it® brands. Her career has spanned multiple divisions at 3M as an application engineer, program manager, product engineer, product developer, and mentor; she has also led the commercialization of 13 unique multi-product platforms.

In her role, Mary leverages her extensive knowledge around the application of adhesives and films in tapes and medical products, as well as her experience in adhesive coating, priming, film extrusion, non-wovens, flexographic and digital printing, and rotary converting, to educate new employees and customers about the technology behind 3M products.

A highly sought-after mentor to both new and experienced employees working in the laboratory and on business teams, Mary also has a passion for positively influencing the next generation of scientists outside the lab. Mary’s 3M mentoring experience includes her participation with the Tech Forum mentoring program, the Consumer Business Group Senior Technical Mentoring Group, and the Global Technical mentoring program. Mary is also a member of the 3M Women’s Leadership Forum.

A graduate from the University of Minnesota, Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and in Chemistry from the University of St. Thomas. 

Meet Tesha Alston Dampier. As a senior quality engineer at 3M, Tesha is responsible for providing quality assurance, and quality systems and regulatory support for current and new product initiatives. Her current project, focuses on the development of filtration systems designed to simplify biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Fascinated with the body and how blood clotted, Tesha has been interested in biology and science for as long as she can remember. Growing up, she was fortunate to have been exposed to programs designed to inspire and equip youth to pursue a future in science, engineering, or mathematics – this allowed her to nurture her deep love and curiosity for science and math studies at a young age.

Tesha’s passion for science and the importance of STEM careers in solving everyday problems, is further demonstrated by her volunteer efforts to promote science education and diversity in STEM careers within her community.

Tesha graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science in bio medical science and received her Master’s Degree in the field of biological sciences and public health from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Meet Dr. Döne Demirgöz.  As a 3M research specialist in the Corporate Research Systems Lab, Dr. Demirgöz knows that science does not happen only in the lab. Her quest for science, knowledge, and creating revolutionary new products and solutions for both 3M and its customers, has led her to many roles at 3M, ranging from – her studies and time in the material and digital labs, to customer insights roles to learn root problems to solve, to supply chain to ensure new product materials get to where they need for final creation.

Dr. Demirgöz passion for science and engineering is also demonstrated through her work with younger generations. She is a member of 3M TECH (Technical teams Encouraging Career Horizons), a program for middle and high school-aged students focused on the importance of higher education, and is involved in Girls in Action, a mentoring program that is designed to influence the next generation of high school girls in their academic careers.

Dr. Demirgöz received her Ph.D. in optical biosensors from the Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research and Johannes Guttenberg University in Mainz, Germany and her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey.

Meet Dr. Fornof. As a senior research specialist in the Electrical Markets Division, Dr. Fornof works with diverse teams of scientists, engineers and other experts from across 3M to develop new technologies that make all sorts of innovative products from dental fillings that are more robust to adhesives that keep fiber optics in place to DIY window film to solvent-free manufacturing of vinyl electrical tape.

Ann is dedicated to spreading her passion for science and helping young people believe they can, too, be successful scientists or engineers. She speaks to groups about STEM, works with startups through the 3M-supported accelerator program, Tarmac TX, and regularly mentors aspiring engineers and scientists. Professionally, Ann is also a strong advocate for scientists and engineers. Ann is currently chair of Women in Chemical Engineering for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Community. Previously, Ann was chair of 3M’s Tech Forum, where she was responsible for connecting 3M’s technical community, and served as a 3M ambassador at external events to showcase the technical community’s achievements.

Ann holds a Ph.D. in macromolecular science and engineering from Virginia Tech and a B.S. in chemical engineering from Columbia University. Outside of work, she enjoys eating, reading, and running!

Meet Sara Frisco. As a senior product development engineer, Sara continuously works on bridging technologies within different 3M businesses and divisions. With an expertise in 3M™ Controltac™ and 3M™ Comply™ technology, Sara works across various technology platforms including films, adhesives and microreplicated liners. In her role, she also works with manufacturing technology, manufacturing plants, quality engineering, and marketing and application engineering teams to foster collaboration and better align manufacturing capability with product performance and customer expectations.

When she’s not in the lab, Sara is busy helping kids learn about science and encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM. As a build and engineering mentor for FIRST, a nonprofit organization that inspires young people's interest and participation in science and technology, Sara works with high school students through the engineering design process and development of robots. Sara has also participated in the 3M Impact program where she and a team developed a STEM curriculum for kids in India that incorporated hands-on science projects and fundamentals of engineering. Sara is also a member of the 3M Society of Women Engineers and 3M Women's Leadership Forum.

Sara graduated from Purdue University with a Master of Science in engineering technology and received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of St. Thomas.

Meet Anne Gold. As a product development specialist in the Personal Safety Division, Anne invents, prototypes, and launches new-to-the-world safety solutions, and has led large-scale innovation programs through 3M's new product commercialization process. A technical leader with a strong background in developing products, business concepts, and inspiring teams to make a difference, Anne has expertise in retroreflective technologies, manufacturing processes, and markets, as well as non-woven abrasives for floor care.

Outside the lab, Anne enjoys cooking, hiking, reading, dancing – including 30’s era swing – and adventures with her children. Anne has volunteered at the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair and taught chemistry and physics through the U.S. Peace Corps. Anne’s most recent achievements include the 2020 3M Tech Forum Lifetime Achievement Award and being elected into the inaugural 3M Tech Forum Global Governing Board for 2021.

Anne graduated from Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry.

Meet Dr. Vasav Sahni. He is a natural-born leader who loves to build teams and products. Currently, Vasav and his team are developing electronic adhesives for next-generation display devices. If you think his role sounds interesting, you are not alone. In 2014, Vasav and his team were featured on Fortune’s "Coolest Jobs in the Fortune 500" list for an invention using biomimicry.

Outside of his full-time job, Vasav is involved in teaching and promoting STEM education to underprivileged students. Additionally, as an active part of Toastmasters International, he enjoys mentoring individuals to improve their communication and leadership skills. Vasav’s research gained the attention of the popular radio program Science Friday, where he participated in a quiz on the “Science of Superheroes.” He also delivered a TEDx talk titled “How I became Spider-Man.”

Additionally, Vasav recently cofounded a non-profit organization – HD Solvera – with his 2018 3M Young Scientist Challenge mentee – Krish Wadhwani – that aims to develop innovative solutions to address neurodegenerative conditions.

Vasav holds a PhD in polymer science from the University of Akron where he worked on investigating and mimicking spider-spun adhesives. He also has a bachelor’s degree in textile technology from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi.

Meet Dr. Kannan Seshadri.  As an advanced product development specialist in the Stationery and Office Supplies Division, Kannan applies materials science and manufacturing towards products that require out-of-the-box thinking to solve real-world problems. Throughout his career, Kannan has served as group and project leads, and has managed cross-functional teams at 3M to develop new products and platforms. Kannan’s expertise spans abrasives, ultra-thin polymer films, energy conservation and management, microfluidic devices, sustainability, bio-based polymers, filtration/separations technologies for air, water and gas, and biopharmaceutical production. He also holds 49 patents in biotech/biopharma, filtration, optical films, abrasives, and consumer products.

When not in the lab, Kannan enjoys reading, hiking/backpacking, biking, and mentoring the next generation of STEM leaders. Kannan participates in youth-focused programs including 3M Visiting Wizards, 3M STEP, 3M TWIST, is an active scout leader and a member of the President’s Cabinet of the Northern Star Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He also mentors students in the classroom to help promote science literacy, awareness, and education. Kannan serves as a judge at the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair and the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair and was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Academy of Science.

Kannan earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Penn State University and his post doctorate from the University of Minnesota in Materials Science and Engineering.

Meet Dr. Shaver. For the past five years, Jonah has applied his knowledge and skills towards translating customer needs into new products and state-of-the-art processes at 3M. As a Product Development Specialist in the Display Materials and Systems Division, he develops technologies to protect and enhance capabilities of sensor systems in domains from autonomous vehicles to healthcare. In his role as a principal investigator for new sensing modalities related to 3M optical technologies, Jonah uses imaging and spectroscopy to study light-matter interactions in materials—applying physics, photonics, and science to life.

As a natural teacher, Jonah mentored many graduate and undergraduate students, taught physics labs, and guest-lectured graduate level courses at several institutions. He has held positions spanning the globe, including visiting grad student at various labs, from Los Alamos, to Humboldt University in Berlin, and the French national high magnetic field lab in Toulouse; a nanotech short-course instructor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, and a Fulbright Scholar and staff researcher at the University of Bordeaux in France.

Jonah holds a Ph.D. in applied physics from Rice University and a bachelor’s in physics from Wright State University. When he’s not in the lab, you can find Jonah playing ultimate frisbee with Surly Ultimate out of Minnesota or officiating for USA Ultimate and American Ultimate Disc League at the national level.

Meet Patrick Zimmerman. As a division scientist in the Global Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division, Patrick brings over 37 years of experience in technical/project management and application engineering to the automotive, adhesives, and aerospace businesses at 3M. His tenure also expands into aircraft interior manufacturing and material needs including cabin fire safety. Currently, Patrick is focused on building a strong understanding of elements in automation and end-effectors in the application of adhesive tapes and films.

Patrick has served as a leader across various projects, including lab management, customer interactions, regulatory body interactions, cross functional leadership, and product and application development. He’s also led several 3M technology steering committees, chaired 3M Tech Forum chapters, provided mentoring to new and existing employees, and participated in 3M’s Visiting Wizards program.

Patrick earned his Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Marquette University.