As a first-generation college student, Jennifer Chavez found more than just a degree at Texas A&M University—she found her passion. With support from the university’s Department of Chemistry, she discovered a love for polymer science that led to a career as a materials platform manager at the LEGO Group’s global headquarters in Denmark.
Chavez started college as an electrical engineering major but quickly discovered that chemistry provided the hands-on research and the blend of theory and application she truly desired. With support from her academic mentors—including Dr. Holly Gaede, Instructional Professor and Assistant Head for Undergraduate Studies in the Texas A&M Chemistry Department—she made a confident switch, one that became the cornerstone of her future path.
“From the beginning, I felt supported, listened to, and encouraged by my advisors,” Chavez said. “I shared my desire to pursue an industrial career instead of graduate school or teaching. Together, we drafted a course plan that showcased my skills and prepared me for potential industrial roles. That relationship helped ensure my success in the program and beyond.”
Hands-on training and academic opportunities further narrowed her interests, leading to polymer science.
“By exploring specific interests with my advisor, I tailored an education to fit my aspiration of working as an industrial polymer chemist,” she said. “I focused on topics that excited me as a student and later as a professional.”
Aggieland also played a key role in shaping her career path, opening doors to valuable industrial internships. One major turning point came during her junior year when she was offered a six-month internship at Sherwin-Williams in Cleveland, working with a team to develop urethane coatings. Although accepting the offer meant delaying her graduation, her mentor helped her evaluate options and create a plan to set her up for success.
“My academic advisor helped me every step of the way,” Chavez said. “She helped me understand my options for graduating later, apply for scholarships to fund the extra semester, and navigate all the new possibilities.”
That experience led to another internship the summer before graduation, this time in Boston, where she worked on developing polymer materials for 3D printing. The internships solidified her interest in polymers and additive manufacturing.
After graduating in December 2016, Chavez launched her career as a 3D printing chemist—a path that took her across the country and, eventually, across the globe. Today, she serves as a materials platform manager at the LEGO Group, where she helps advance additive manufacturing technologies used to 3D-print toys safely and efficiently.
“Before joining the LEGO Group in Denmark, I had the chance to work as a 3D printing chemist across the U.S.,” Chavez said. “I worked for a medical device company in San Jose, California, developing polymer formulations to 3D print orthodontic devices. Later, I joined a renewable energy company in New Orleans that aimed to 3D print wind turbine blades using innovative techniques.”Chemistry is like knowing why magic works. Come study it at Texas A&M—and you just might end up 3D printing toys for a living.
Chavez attributes her success to the wide-ranging opportunities she encountered through Texas A&M’s chemistry program—including dynamic coursework, hands-on research, internships and mentoring. “I also pursued research experiences across campus, joined student organizations to explore different disciplines, and relied on the Career Center for direction,” she said. This broad exploration allowed Chavez to pinpoint the areas of chemistry that most inspired and challenged her, while also fostering a strong network of mentors and peers.
Looking back, Chavez says chemistry helped her understand the world in a new way.
“Chemistry is like knowing why magic works,” she said. “Our everyday lives depend on chemistry—from the medicine used to treat cancer to sustainable plastics that reduce waste to understanding why stars are different colors. It is amazing to experience all of this, but it is even better to know why it exists. That’s why I tell anyone thinking about studying chemistry: Come do it at Texas A&M—and end up 3D printing toys for a living!”