Meet The Speakers

JADEL BAPTISTA

​Jadel Baptista, holds a Bachelor degree in Chemistry at PUCCAMP-Brazil, is currently the Technical Director at LANSCO Colors. 
Jadel has 28 years of experience in the coatings industry, specifically in Research & Development of polymers, paints and colorants.

CARLOS CERDA de GROOTE

Carlos Cerda de Groote currently covers the statistical needs of the Coatings Group at the Lubrizol Advanced Materials (LZAM). He works closely with scientists and engineers designing efficient strategies for experimentation, modeling data and supporting of product development, process improvements and customer programs.
Prior to joining LZAM, he supported various segments in the Lubrizol additives part of the business (LZA). Among those Fuels, Gear Oils, Engine Oils, Industrial Fluids, Viscosity Modifiers, Chemical Synthesis, Pilot Plant as well as a GE-Lubrizol joint venture. Carlos received Master’s degrees in Applied Math and Economics from Cleveland State University, where he also taught.

BRIAN CASEY

Brian is a graduate of Wofford College where he earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry. He has been with Evonik for the past 7 years working in the coatings area of their laboratory and representing their Coating Additives product line. His prior work experience includes stops with The Lubrizol Corporation and Luna Innovations Incorporated. He has experience in formulating coatings for industrial, industrial maintenance, marine, and military applications.

MIKE IDACAVAGE

Dr. Mike J. Idacavage received his B.S. (Chemistry) from Drexel University in 1975 and his Ph.D. from Syracuse University in 1979 (Organometallic Chemistry). Mike’s work in the area of radiation curing started at Eastman Chemicals with the establishment of a photopolymer lab in 1985. Mike continued to work in the energy curable area since that time.  In 2003, Mike received the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievements to the Radiation Curing Industry from RadTech North America. Mike has served as President of RadTech North America for the 2009 to 2010 term. Currently, Mike is serving as an advisor and consultant to RadTech and several companies in the UV and EB curable market.  Mike is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at SUNY-ESF in Syracuse, NY teaching courses in UV and EB curing technology.

ANN GIOVANNITTI- JENSEN

Ann Giovannitti-Jensen leads the statistics team for the Lubrizol Advanced Materials (LZAM) R&D units and works closely with LZAM to develop and launch products and processes. In addition, she provides statistical training to scientists and engineers and works with customers in joint efforts to resolve problems and improve use of materials in their processes.
Prior to joining BF Goodrich in 1989, she was an Assistant Professor of Statistics at VA TECH. Ann received a Ph.D. in Statistics from VA TECH, an MS in Statistics from University of Rochester and a BA in Applied Mathematics from The George Washington University. She is a member of ASQ, the American Society for Quality, and the Cleveland Chapter of the American Statistical Association.

MICHAEL KACNER

Dr. Michael Kacner is a member of the VOC compliance team for Sherwin Williams.  He has worked twelve years in the paint industry and a total of thirty-seven years in the chemical industry.  He is responsible for ensuring that consumer and industrial products comply with environmental, health and safety regulations around the globe.  Mike works with US and Canadian federal government agencies as well as with state and provincial agencies in the development of new and amended VOC regulations and stewardship programs for recycling paint. 
Mike Kacner is an active member of the American Coatings Association and the Illinois Paint Council.
Mike is a native of the Midwest, a graduate of Lake Forest (MBA, 1995), the University of Michigan (Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, 1982) and University of Wisconsin (BS Chemistry & Mathematics, 1976).