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Richard Schafermeyer BS ChE ’73, Missouri University of Science & Technology MS ChE ’75, Missouri University of Science & Technology |
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Rich Schafermeyer received his BS and MS ChE from UMR in 1973 and 1975 respectively. After graduation, he joined Procter & Gamble’s Research and Development organization and had a wide variety of assignments. He started in upstream research on amino acid and chlorinated fatty acid derivatives. He then moved to the Industrial Chemicals division to continue process development work on fatty acid products and lubricant additives, as well as alkyl glycosides, amine oxides, and coal slurry dispersants. A switch in focus to food additives led to process work on citrus fiber, medium chain and mixed-chain triglycerides, and sucrose polyesters. The latter turned into a 12-year assignment where he led process development for the Olestra fat substitute program, eventually leading to a new to the world processing plant and earning him 7 US patents.
His expertise in fats and oils led to various assignments within P&G’s food business, including process and product development manager for brands like Crisco, Jif, and Duncan Hines, then later Folgers and Pringles. He also led a multi-year, multi-business task force on controlling acrylamide in food, earning him another 7 US patents. He also had a variety of assignments in knowledge management and become an expert in knowledge mapping, retention, and sharing. After retiring from P&G, he worked as a consultant for Your Encore in knowledge management and fats and oil development.
Outside of work, Rich was a soccer and softball coach for 19 years, active in his local AIChE chapter, church and community groups, and various arts organizations. He currently serves on the board of the Carpenter Enamel Center and is the President of the Ohio Valley Enameling Guild. He lives with his wife Nancy in Cincinnati, Ohio. They have three children, two who are chemical engineers and one an environmental engineer. They enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren.