Women in Science: Xiaonan “Coco” Singer on Applied Polymer Science and Customer Impact at Kuraray America
At Kuraray America, Inc., science is driven by our people and as we celebrate #International_Day_of_Women_and_Girls_in_Science, we are proud to spotlight Xiaonan Singer Ph.D., “Coco”, a Technical Service & Design (TS&D) Engineer supporting our polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) business unit.
Background & Education
Coco earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry with a minor in psychology from Beijing Normal University, a blend of technical and behavioral science that continues to shape her approach to applied problem solving. She went on to complete her PhD in polymer science and engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi where she deepened her focus on bridging fundamental research and applied chemistry
Kuraray Career Path
Dr. Coco's path in polymer science has taken her from R&D at MonoSol, A Kuraray Company to our KAI PVOH team, advising customers on how to use in PVOH in agriculture, personal & life care, and PVC to name a few. She was drawn to PVOH because of its versatility and its reach across so many industries.
"I like things to be quantified and calculated," she says. "Science is needed in so many industries."
Today, her work as a TS&D engineer centers on understanding customer applications and recommending the right PVOH grades to meet their needs. That ranges from boosting performance of adhesives to improving the plantability of seed.
A Mentor Who Made a Difference
Coco credits one of her greatest influences to her graduate school mentor, who was the only female faculty in the department at the time. "She faced challenges with grace and courage. She is my lifelong inspiration. When I started to doubt myself, I can always find strength in her."
That experience helped shape her commitment to encouraging representation in STEM and to help support the next generation as they build confidence in their technical voice.
Today, she continues that commitment with her involvement in the Society of Plastics Engineers, where she focuses on learning, sharing knowledge, and engaging in conversations around sustainability in the industry.