NLGI Interviews Ms. Kimberly M. Matthews Research and Development Manager, BESTOLIFE Corporation, Irving, TX
Mary Moon and Raj Shah Photos courtesy of Kimberly M. Matthews except where noted.
Base oils and chemical additives derived from petroleum are essential components of most lubricating greases. Yet, the upstream segment of the petroleum industry requires grease in order to discover, develop, and produce crude oil and natural gas. Grease serves as the basis for thread compounds (pipe dopes) that lubricate, seal, and protect threaded drill pipe (used to drill the well) and casing and tubing connections (used to transfer oil or gas from the well). In this interview, Kimberly M. Matthews discusses her career, thread compounds, drilling rigs, and her role as R&D Manager at Bestolife Corporation, Irving, Texas. Career NLGI: How did you become a scientist? KMM: I excelled in math and science when I was in high school because these
subjects were interesting and challenging. Chemistry was my favorite course because it bridged math and science. After taking a Health and Occupational Science Association course my senior year, I decided to study PrePharmacy coursework at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK. My father encouraged me to obtain a bachelor’s degree before going to pharmacy school. I am forever grateful for his wise advice because I decided to enter the workforce after I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Chemistry instead of going to pharmacy school. At the time, I was torn by my decision, but I needed a job with benefits to support my small family. I look back on my decision with no regrets and am thankful for my career path. NLGI: How did you enter the lubricant industry? What was your first job? KMM: After I graduated from college, my first job was working as a microbiologist at a Johnson & Johnson plant. Unfortunately, Johnson & Johnson closed the plant shortly after I was hired and moved manufacturing
overseas. I then had a short stint working in the Quality Control Laboratory at Kraft Foods (now a division of Kraft Heinz Company) before I accepted a Technical Service Representative position at NCH Corporation. NCH has a vast product portfolio, and this job was my gateway to the lubricant industry. At NCH, I learned how to characterize samples, troubleshoot customer concerns, and draft analysis reports alongside John Barnes. My favorite memory at NCH was making lab batches of grease. Saponification is truly a science and an art. NLGI: What was your path to Bestolife? KMM: A local recruiter contacted me after receiving a referral from a former colleague. I was interested in the opportunity at Bestolife because I was ready to specialize in an industry instead of being a generalist in many markets. I was unfamiliar with the oil and gas industry, but my experience with grease and industrial lubricants was exactly what Bestolife was looking for. In my new position as QC
- 54 NLGI Spokesman | VOLUME 84, NUMBER 4 | September/October 2020
