Why does HP need a chemist? That’s the first question people ask Paul Mazurkiewicz after finding out what he’s been doing at the Fort Collins facility for the past nine years.
“A computer is made out of chemicals,” said the senior scientist.
While earning a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from Oregon State University, he became familiar with HP’s inkjet operations in Corvalis, Ore., and applied for a job.
But he was shocked to learn that he was being considered for a job in Fort Collins.
“Someone at HP had the vision that the company was going to need more than just the standard type of materials engineers. So they bought a bunch of chemistry equipment,” Mazurkiewicz said. “Then they needed to find someone to use the equipment. They knew that as (technology) was getting smaller, a lot more chemistry was involved.”
Among the things Mazurkiewicz’s lab has done: Measure the amount of gold on each pin of a circuit board with an X-ray spectrometer. The element is used to conduct electricity within machines and won’t function if dirty.
“We call it CSI Colorado,” he said, referring to the lab HP has allowed him to build for widescale analysis of all the company’s products.
As a chemist at HP, he offers this advice to computer users: Use a lint-free cloth and deionized water to clean LCD screens, as kitchen-based cleaners – and even tap water – can damage the screen and the plastics over time.
The lab also does contract work for other companies, particularly those along the Front Range, helping them troubleshoot problems with products.
“Research and development is the braintrust of the tech industry,” Mazurkiewicz said. “This is one of the biggest places in the world where it happens right now.”
