Karana Shah

Karana Shah has extensive work experience in the specialty chemicals industry. Currently, they are working as the Technology Director - Specialty Chemicals at Ascend Performance Materials since June 2021. Prior to this, they held the position of VP of Technology at Dixie Chemical Co. from March 2016 to May 2021, where they led the Research & Development and Quality Control functions. Karana also served as the Technical Services Manager at Dixie Chemical Co. from September 2013 to February 2016.

Before joining Dixie Chemical Co., Karana worked at Zoltek from July 2011 to August 2013 as a Sales/Technical Support in the Composite Intermediates segment. Karana was responsible for supporting a $30 million annual revenue segment and was involved in the start-up of the company's Technical Center and production facility.

Karana's earlier experience includes working at Evonik Degussa Corporation - Jayhawk Fine Chemicals as a Technical Services Marketing Manager from July 2008 to July 2011. Karana focused on specialty dianhydrides and functional intermediates for high-performance polymers and composite materials.

Prior to that, Karana worked at TAMKO as a Research and Development Engineer from August 2006 to July 2008, where they played a key role in expanding the decking product lines and implementing Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement.

Karana started their career as a Research Assistant/Associate at Michigan State University from August 2002 to July 2006. During this time, they developed and patented a formaldehyde-free binding system for wood composite products.

Overall, Karana Shah has a wealth of experience in the specialty chemicals industry, with expertise in research and development, technical services, sales, and management.

Karana Shah obtained a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Chemistry from Michigan Technological University from 1995 to 2002. Later, from 2002 to 2006, Shah pursued a PhD in Polymer Composites at Michigan State University.