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By ERIC AYRES
WHEELING -- The inherent challenges seemed to be part of the appeal for Wheeling native Kelsey Marie Chacalos when she decided to pursue a career in chemical engineering.
Not every college student can eagerly tackle advanced concepts in chemistry, physics and other complex disciplines rooted in science and math -- in fact, a lot of students tend to steer away from those subjects. But with a knack for those skills in her toolbox, Chacalos saw early in her journey that the toughest tasks often come with the most satisfying rewards.
"I realized that chemical engineering was my calling while working on my capstone project when I was still pursuing my degree," the West Virginia University graduate said. "I led a team through research and model development for part of a carbon capture plant. It was during this project that I realized how much I enjoyed problem solving in a team environment and being able to come up with innovative solutions to any problems that were encountered."
Upon graduating from WVU last year with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering, Chacalos was able to put her skills to work at a corporation just down the Ohio River from her hometown.
"I am currently employed as a production engineer for chlorine liquefaction and hydrochloric acid synthesis at Westlake Natrium plant in Proctor, West Virginia," she said.
Chacalos said there are indeed opportunities in the area for young adults who are launching their careers, and the market for those who have a background in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines isn't one that contributes to "brain drain" -- or exodus of skilled and educated young people in search of good jobs.
"I do see bright spots in the Ohio Valley for a young engineer," Chacalos said. "There are many industrial plants up and down the Ohio River that result in many job opportunities here. It is also only a few hours' drive to several large cities, so it feels more like a centralized space with plenty of things to do in and around the area."
At work, Chacalos continues to learn and hone her skills on the job.
"Having been in the industry for less than a year, I've learned that no questions are dumb," she said. "The questions you ask only help you to grow as an expert in your area by learning valuable information from the people around you."
Today, Chacalos said she sees a trend in the industry -- especially in the local area -- of more women gravitating toward careers in her field.
"I see more and more young women in the valley pursuing degrees in engineering and other STEM-related fields," she said. "As a result of this, more women are being hired in historically male-dominated fields and finding their own ways to succeed in their positions."
She encourages those interested in this career path to believe in themselves, to take the challenges head-on, and to never be discouraged by naysayers, obstacles or temporary setbacks.
"Don't let anyone else dictate what you do in life," Chacalos said. "The percentage of women in engineering has been increasing through the years, so don't let anyone try to tell you that you won't make it in this field. You can prove anyone wrong who says that you won't succeed as long as you set your mind to it and work for it."
Relishing the rewards of the journey to her career in engineering, Chacalos noted that she is proud to still call the Friendly City her home.
"I still live in my family home in Wheeling with my parents -- John and Laurel Chacalos, my two dogs Percy and Leia, and my two cats Spiro and Zeke," she said. "My sisters, Lexi and Megan, have moved to Raleigh, N.C., and New York, N.Y., respectively, to work for jobs in their fields, and my brother, Cal, is actively pursuing his bachelor's degree from WVU."
Chacalos is an active member of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Wheeling and is involved as a member of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. Outside of work, she said she enjoys spending time with her family and cooking/baking new things whenever she gets a chance.
Her mantra falls in line with a quote from Walt Disney: "If you can dream it, you can do it." And she is following her dream.
"I live by this because when I know that I want something, I work for it until I accomplish it," she said. "I knew that I wanted to be an engineer, despite someone telling me that I wouldn't be able to make it before I even began, and I worked hard throughout college and received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at WVU and have a great job in my field."