UA Little Rock Student Leads Polymer Chemistry Project During Summer Internship at Sherwin-Williams

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student gained invaluable hands-on experience this summer while interning at Sherwin-Williams’ research and development site in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“This experience prepared me for my future career by giving me hands-on exposure to polymer chemistry and a deeper understanding of how chemistry is applied in industry,” said MaryGrace McAfee, a senior double major in biology and chemistry from Texarkana. “The diversity of tasks and learning opportunities made the experience both challenging and rewarding.”

Specializing in polymer chemistry, McAfee managed her own project to develop and test a new polymer for coil coatings.

“I researched polymers with the goal of developing improved coil coatings for metal surfaces,” McAfee said. “Coil coating is a fast and continuous process that allows metal to be pre-painted before fabrication, which offers significant efficiency benefits. Researching this work is important because metal surfaces often require specialized coatings for different applications, each with distinct performance requirements such as durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic needs. By formulating polymers tailored to these specific applications, we ensure that the coatings deliver optimal performance, providing customers with high-quality, reliable products for their various needs.”

McAfee presented her findings to Sherwin-Williams employees and leaders during a presentation and poster session. She is also grateful for the new opportunities she gained from the summer internship.

“At Sherwin-Williams, I had had the opportunity to work with large molecules, gaining new lab techniques, exploring different synthesis routes, and broadening my perspective on organic chemistry,” she said. “I also had the opportunity to collaborate with various chemistry groups, which improved my communication and teamwork skills, essential for working on complex projects. Additionally, I learned valuable insights into how chemistry is practiced in a corporate setting, giving me a clearer understanding of what it’s like to work in the industry.”

After the Donaghey Scholar graduates next May, McAfee plans to attend graduate school to earn a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, but she will look on this summer internship as a major growing point in her professional career.

“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to my mentor at Sherwin-Williams, Andy Tangen, and the entire polymer group for their incredible guidance and expertise throughout the summer,” McAfee said. “I also want to thank Sherwin-Williams for providing such a fantastic internship experience. They are a company that truly cares about their employees and is committed to advancing chemistry in innovative and impactful ways.”