What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job out of college was at Procter and Gamble developing coffee products. I learned two key lessons. (1) I found very quickly the importance of communicating clearly and concisely. In particular, I found the necessity of stating my conclusions and recommendations first. (2) The second lesson was the importance of understanding your consumer. In the end, the only successful product is one the consumer loves and buys time and time again. Understanding and respecting the consumer is critical for success.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
The person I most admire and who is my hero is my mother! First of all, I got my love of math and science from her. While I was growing up she went to college studying math and she would share with me what she was learning in calculus, physics, statistics, and computer science. She always encouraged me to set stretching goals and go for it. Most importantly, she has constantly lived life to fullest, always seeking new challenges and experiences. Even into her sixties and seventies she has taken on new hobbies and new job assignments, and travels around the world.

What is your favorite book?
My favorite books fall into two categories. First, I enjoy reading novels such as "The Moonstone," "The Poisonwood Bible" and "The Good Earth." Not only are novels a wonderful way to relax, I also find good novels have great character development and provide insight into how people act and interact, particularly in challenging times or environments. Many times this gives me a new perspective on how to work more effectively with people. The second category are books I read to my daughter. The Harry Potter books have been our most recent endeavor - she evens turns off the TV so we can read these together for literally hours on end. And I find them just plain fun to read.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
The consumer goods industry is fascinating because it draws on many different technologies to meet consumer needs. Over the next ten years, this list of technologies will continue to grow. The scientists and engineers working in this field will need to expand their scopes beyond the specific discipline they studied in college and look broadly at chemistry, biology, mechanics, and electronics to design products to meet consumers cleaning needs.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
The consumer. I get the opportunity to meet consumers all around the world and at all different economic levels. Visiting people in their homes around the world is absolutely fascinating - I get to see how we have the same interests such as our taking care of our homes and families. I also gained incredible insight into the choices they make on a daily basis and why they like or don't like our products.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Raising my two daughters and giving back to the community through my work as a Girl Scout Leader. It also gives me a thrill to walk down the store aisle and see products I have helped develop and launch on the shelf.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
Getting into Rice University, traveling 1800 miles from home to go there, and receiving my bachelor's and master's degree 5 years later. I learned if I focus and persevere, I can accomplish most anything.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
I find it is very easy to let work overtake my life, particularly with new technology. So I set bounds and force priorities. This includes getting 8 hours of sleep a night, taking kick boxing, reading good novels, doing volunteer work, and taking 2 week vacations (without my computer) at least every two years. I have chosen to live 15 minutes from work to eliminate the commute time.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Have confidence in yourself, communicate clearly, and learn to think - the answers aren't in the textbook!