NPT Profiles – Who is ... Paola Granados Mendoza?
Paola Granados Mendoza studied chemical engineering in Mexico before she pursued a master’s degree in process technology at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Her PhD research, conducted in collaboration with AkzoNobel, led to employment at the company’s R&D department in 2016, where she specialised in electrochemical engineering. In recent years she has held various positions in technology and project management at different employers. Through the NPT she acts a Dutch representative to the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE).
NPT Profiles – Ontdek de mens achter de technologie
De wereld van procestechnologie evolueert razendsnel. Dit omvat niet alleen de ontwikkeling van nieuwe kennis en vaardigheden, maar ook de diversiteit van de mensen die in dit vakgebied werkzaam zijn, en de manieren waarop zij hun werk uitvoeren. In deze nieuwe rubriek van NPT lichten we een aantal van onze collega-procestechnologen uit. We geven een kijkje in wie zij zijn, wat hun werkzaamheden inhouden en aan welke projecten zij bijdragen. Ontdek de verhalen achter de professionals die de toekomst van procestechnologie vormgeven.
Can you recall why you wanted to study in The Netherlands?
"At the time I was pretty sure I wanted to study abroad. So I was checking out opportunities in Europe. The scholarship package, covering tuition and living expenses, and the nature of the academic programme at TU/e appealed to me. In Mexico, a master’s and PhD degree would have been a solely academic exercise. Over here, university and industry are collaborating more, which I think is a great advantage. So I applied and entered the program at TU/e."
How would you assess your field of work at present?
"In terms of more sustainable processes and use of resources, the chemical sector is obviously going through a transition. Industry is pushed to innovate accordingly. I have been working on the technical development of large-scale green hydrogen projects, guiding them from early feasibility to investment readiness. It’s fascinating work, at the same time I can see that chemical companies in the Netherlands are struggling. High energy prices and competition from abroad make it hard to do what is required: decarbonising industrial processes. On a personal level, as a parent who doesn’t want the next generation to carry the burden of climate change, I’m highly motivated to contribute to that goal professionally."
"The experience enables me to position my organization as a knowledgeable partner while actively contributing to the energy transition" – Paola Granados Mendoza
How do you keep pace with what’s happening?
"I try to interact with different parties concerned. As a representative of Dutch industry in the EFCE Working Party on Electrochemical Engineering, I stay closely connected to how technologies such as electrolysis and batteries are evolving across Europe. This perspective helps me translate innovation into realistic project decisions. Through activities including a Spotlight Talk on scaling electrolysis and teaching at the Summer School of Electrochemical Engineering, I have strengthened my ability to communicate complex topics and have built a strong international network. The experience enables me to position my organization as a knowledgeable partner while actively contributing to the energy transition."
Having worked in The Netherlands for fifteen years, what is your main takeaway?
"Well, as you say, my entire professional life has been spent here. So I can’t really compare it to working abroad, although through my projects I collaborate with partners all over Europe. I do appreciate both the directness and the polite way of how things are handled here in the Netherlands. There is an openness as well as a tendency not to overcomplicate things, qualities that help to bridge the worlds of academia and industry. As is reflected by the NPT community."
Uw profiel in de kijker?
Wilt u zelf in deze rubriek verschijnen, of een collega aandragen? Stuur dan een mail met een korte motivatie naar npt@kivi.nl.