Dow’s Digital Transformation: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Prospects
The Texas A&M Energy Institute’s Distinguished Lecture Series in Energy will feature Dr. Birgit (Bea) Braun, an R&D/TS&D Fellow for Digital Innovation in the Packaging, Specialty Plastics & Hydrocarbons R&D organization at the Dow Chemical Company, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT (UTC -5:00) in the Frederick E. Giesecke Engineering Research Building (GERB) Third Floor Conference Room and through a Zoom Meeting. The topic will be “Dow’s Digital Transformation: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Prospects.”
Abstract
Digital technologies are reshaping the chemical industry, opening exciting opportunities for the next generation of scientists and engineers. This talk explores why companies like Dow are investing heavily in data-driven solutions—and how these tools are transforming both innovation and manufacturing.
Through real-world examples, we will examine how advanced analytics, machine learning and hybrid modeling, and optimization have accelerated materials design, improved processes, and delivered measurable value. These cases will illustrate the conceptual pathways through which digital tools generate impact. We will also explore the emerging potential of large language models and generative AI in R&D and operations, highlighting how these technologies can enhance productivity and creativity.
However, modeling technology alone is not enough. The success of digital transformation hinges on robust data infrastructure, high-quality data, and a strong data-centric culture. We will discuss how academic and industry partnerships are helping to build these foundations and drive progress.
Finally, the talk will emphasize the importance of tailored upskilling programs across departments. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential to keep pace with technological advancements—and to prepare the next generation workforce for a digitally enabled future.
Biography
Birgit (Bea) Braun, Ph.D., is an R&D/TS&D Fellow for Digital Innovation in the Packaging, Specialty Plastics & Hydrocarbons R&D organization at Dow. Over nearly 15 years with the company, she has held diverse roles across R&D and M&E organizations, consistently driving innovation at the intersection of science and technology.
For more than a decade, Bea has focused on applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to chemical manufacturing and materials research. She has led the development and deployment of numerous data science solutions across Dow, and today her work centers on unlocking value through holistic digital transformation—while staying deeply connected to her passion for advancing AI/ML technologies impacting chemical processes and materials.
Bea earned a Dipl.-Ing. in Process Engineering with a specialization in Industrial Environmental Protection from Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria. She also holds an M.S. in Environmental Science & Engineering and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, where her research combined experimental and computational studies in polymer composites. Prior to joining Dow, Bea spent three years in a startup company focused on scaleup of biobased composites for packaging and specialty applications.
An active leader in the professional community, Bea serves as the Chair for the Industry 4.0 Topical at the AIChE Spring Meeting, overseeing more than 25 sessions. She has been involved with AIChE since 2017, previously serving as Sub-Topical Chair for Analytics & AI (2021–2023) and Co-Chair in 2023. Additionally, she contributed to the AIChE Southwest Process Technology Conference and is on the organizing committee for the 2026 Foundations of Process/Product Analytics and Machine Learning (FOPAM) conference.
Outside of work, Bea enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. An avid runner and outdoor enthusiast, she also loves bouldering, tennis, and other active pursuits.