Unlocking Innovation: How Milliken’s R&D Digitized Lab Notebooks for Improved Knowledge Access

November 2024

In this webinar, we’ll dive into how Milliken’s R&D team enhanced their research processes by digitizing handwritten lab notebooks. Learn how this shift has streamlined access to decades of internal knowledge, enhanced collaboration, and driven innovation across teams. Join us for a conversation about the journey, challenges, and the cutting-edge tools that made this transition possible.

Deidre Sandrock serves as the Director of Sustainability and Innovation for Milliken’s Chemical Business. Drawing from a wealth of experience bridging the technical and commercial aspects of the organization, she collaborates across functions and drives Milliken’s innovations toward sustainability. In her current role, she focuses on new product development and applications that address critical issues like circularity, biodegradability, and end-of-life considerations. Her passion for science has been a guiding force in her journey at Milliken. Deidre joined Milliken and Company in 2010 as a Research Chemist in Milliken Research Corporation. In 2012, she transitioned to the Chemical Division to support R&D efforts in the Plastics Additives business. In 2016, she transitioned to the Plastics Additives Strategy and Marketing team to support strategy development projects. During her time this role, she focused on product line management, new growth platform strategy, and building a sustainability strategy and roadmap for the Plastics Additives business. Deidre has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Chemistry from Washington & Jefferson College.

Stephen Sydow is the Director of Digital Transformation at Milliken & Company, located in Easley, South Carolina. He has been with the company for over 25 years, holding various roles, including Development Leader, a position he has held since 1999. Since November 2022, Stephen has been leading Milliken’s digital transformation efforts, with nearly 26 years of experience in the company.

Greg Facchine works at Milliken’s corporate center of innovation, leading modernization initiatives for research and development operations. He leads the implementation of electronic lab notebooks across research labs, enhancing data and knowledge management. Greg holds an MS in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence from Georgia Institute of Technology and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.