Basil Paulson, PHD
Senior Scientist
Education
Ph.D. Physical Organic Chemistry (Advisor Gerhard Closs), University of Chicago | B.A. Chemistry major, Physics minor, Wittenberg University
Professional organizations
American Association for the Advancement of Science | National Ground Water Association
basil.paulson@graylingeng.com
I spent my high school years working in a family chemical business running reactions and scaling projects. After getting my PhD in chemistry, I did post-doc at Argonne National Lab., did a stint in Peace Corps, worked at a traditional chemical manufacturing plant, a Medical device company in Chicago, and later at a couple start-ups in California developing enzymes and catalysts. I then went into semi-retirement after our first child was born.
I am glad to be at Grayling because of the diverse engineering challenges there. I really enjoy reading technical literature, and the different process methods used for clean water and “used” water.
My spare time is dominated by three kids: coaching soccer, volunteering at schools, and biking and hiking.
Where would you take a month-long road trip?
In the northern part of Canada, or Alaska …probably in the summer
What’s your most powerful characteristic?
An inability to say no to things I should say no to
Coffee or tea?
Is that really a choice to people?
What was your first design project you’ve worked on?
Scaling a chemical production process. It was a family business where the main equipment was maintained with duct tape, rust breaker, five-gallon buckets, and cinder blocks. Things got easier to design after I left for different jobs and had a budget, but it’s a very ‘hard skill to unlearn.
What valuable lesson did you learn from your parents?
Duck tape