James Connolly, 60
Title Materials scientist at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.
Salary range $36,000-$120,000
Q. What does a materials scientist do?
A. We study the basic structure and properties of materials to understand their behavior and to investigate or determine how they can be improved for a particular application. We use tools and testing to study the microscopic and submicroscopic character of a material and relate this microstructure to engineering performance. Materials science includes many subdivisions such as metallurgy, ceramics and polymers.
Q. How did you get into this field?
A. I wanted a challenge. My second interview was with the world-renowned Portland Cement Association, a research and development group for the cement industry and materials that interface with it. I recall being set up for the interview and feeling that it didn’t sound challenging enough. I had no idea at the time how complex cement is. But the campus caught my attention, with all this sophisticated equipment like you see on “CSI.” That was 41 years ago, and I’m still working with that fellow who interviewed me. That should tell you about the nature of the work, and how rewarding it has been.
Q. What does your company do?
A. We problem-solve. We may work with a building owner, a government agency, a contractor or another engineering firm. We might resolve a culpability dispute, advise other professionals on what material to use or give guidance on how materials will perform in certain applications. We work with structures from the drawing board stage to historic landmark structures.
Q. What Chicago projects have you been involved in?
A. We acted as consultants to noteworthy structures such as Buckingham Fountain, the Field Museum and the Wrigley Building. We were involved in the investigation of cracked marble panels on the facade of the former Amoco building, and we studied the best way to clean the facade of the Tribune Tower so as not to do damage. We also assisted on rebuilding sections of Wacker Drive. The city wanted the concrete to last 75 to 100 years in an aggressive environment.
Q. Describe your average day.
A. Every day is different. Sometimes I’ll come in with an agenda, but a collapse may have occurred, and we have to assemble a team and respond quickly. I might testify in a trial. If I’m in the lab, I may observe or coordinate testing, review lab data and write reports. In the field I do studies, take measurements or interview participants. I confer with clients and attend internal meetings with our problem-solving teams. For every project we assemble a team with expertise in that field.
Q. How does such a team work?
A. The company structure has evolved over the years, but the method is a multidisciplinary one, which includes architects, engineers and materials scientists. We investigate anything from paint peeling off people’s home to a collapse of a bridge, from residential to industrial markets, to help prevent the given problem from returning. We have offices in 20 states and are headquartered in Northbrook.
Q. What’s the best thing about the job?
A. The opportunity to work in these teams of very talented people. We have found a real synergism using our team philosophy to create a healthier and more sustainable environment for all of us.
Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in this area?
A. Internships are an outstanding opportunity to learn about what goes on in the real world. Get a mentor and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Take a job in construction where you can get a sense of how materials work.
Q. Where do you go from here?
A. Of course, I count on continuing to learn. I also want to mentor so as to share my expertise to make our world the best it could be.
