CME Student Awarded Prestigious Scholarship from Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association

Rachel Ly, a junior in the Chemical and Molecular Engineering (CME) program at the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, was the first recipient of the $5000 Ike Tripp Scholarship from the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA).

The annual scholarship, named in honor of Ike Tripp, who was CEO/Owner of Etna Products, is awarded to an exceptional student who is enrolled in a four- or five-year program of study and majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering and/or entrepreneurship/business.

Ly grew up in Queens and loved art, math and science, but it was an AP Chemistry project in real-life applications that influenced her decision to pursue engineering. "While most kids did medicine or food," she said, "I chose mixology - the art of missing different liqueurs. I like to think outside the box." She then discovered the major that helps her to combine chemistry with creating something physical.

In her freshman year, Ly interned at Koehler Instrument Company, Inc. in the area of petroleum research. She explored the latest technological advancements and market trends in the lubricants industry and wrote articles that were published on industry news outlets including PetroOnlineand LubeTech, a European lubricants trade magazine.

Over the next two years, she collaborated with professionals on peer-reviewed journals and a conference paper and presentation for the National Lubricating Grease Institute's 2025 Annual Meeting. She published 10 articles on the latest trends in lube and grease testing.

Raj Shah, a certified professional chemical engineer, director of the Koehler Instrument Company, Inc. and the chair of the External Advisory Board of the CME program at Stony Brook University, nominated Rachel. She competed against 87 other applicants and was one of the few engineering students nominated. Shah, who has supervised over 150 interns over the years at both corporate locations in Bohemia and Holtsville, said, "Rachel has an interest in learning about new topics and a spark about her that will take her places, and I for one am delighted that she won the ILMA scholarship."

In recognition of this honor, Ly was featured in a two-page article, entitled "Artist-Engineer" in the ILMA's magazine, Compoundings.

Last summer, she interned for 10 weeks with the Estee Lauder Companies. In the quality assurance lab, she designed a database and trend charts of 3,000 quality samples that outlined seasonal bacteria or mold growth which were presented to senior leadership.

"My other responsibilities included assisting environmental monitoring of all production facilities, creating culture media for daily quality tests, and completing inventory checks," Ly said. Along with a team of interns, she planned and brought to fruition a "Bring Your Family To Work Day" facility tour for over 65 guests and participated in the company's national fundraiser for breast cancer.

In her sophomore year, Ly was one of two teaching assistants for a physics class with 228 students. She aimed to not only increase exam averages but to also foster meaningful relationships. "A TA's job is extremely influential because students look up to you. I'm very adamant about creating a positive learning culture for the students, especially freshmen, whose learning experiences today can dictate their career trajectory four years later," she said.

Ly's reach extends beyond the classroom and the laboratory. She explores her artistic nature through dance and origami. During her freshman year, she and her dance partner, Charlotte Seid, placed third in beginner standard tango in the East Coast Fireball Competitionhosted at Stony Brook University. She also serves as treasurer of the Origami Club on campus. " I've helped organize events with other organizations, including engineering societies and art clubs. That's been a fun way to fuse the two spheres of engineering and craftsmanship, proving that origami is not only a craft but can be used in engineering applications too."

ILMA interviewed Ly for its "Move the World Forward" campaign to inspire the next generation of leaders in the lubricant industry. Ly said, "The scholarship is financial relief and a big morale boost to know that someone believes in me and my achievements thus far."

About ILMA

Since 1948, the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) has been the voice of member companies that produce more than a quarter of the automotive lubricants and three-quarters of the metalworking fluids in North America for customers who use their products to improve performance and increase efficiency.

- Debra Scala Giokas