Title: Principal Scientist
Company: Kraton Pine Chemicals Corporation
Location: Savannah, Georgia, United States
Lloyd A. Nelson, PhD, principal scientist at Kraton Pine Chemicals Corporation, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in scientific research and application.
With nearly four decades of experience, Dr. Nelson has built a distinguished career in scientific research, specializing in areas such as pine chemistry, industrial applications of pine chemicals, synthetic organic chemistry, castor oil chemistry, and tribology. He currently serves as principal scientist at Kraton Corporation, a role he has held since 2018, and as technical director for performance chemicals. Kraton Corporation is a global leader in specialty polymers and high-value performance products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, providing solutions across industries including adhesives, coatings, personal care, and automotive. In his positions, he oversees innovation and new product development while also acting as a technical advisor for commercialization and manufacturing operations. Additionally, he has served as science and technology manager at Arizona Chemical Company since 2012.
Dr. Nelson’s experience also includes roles as technology manager at Arizona Chemical Company from 2007 to 2011, technical specialist with International Paper from 1999 to 2007, and senior scientist at Union Chemical from 1996 to 1999. He has also held positions with the USDA Eastern Regional Research Center and Mobil Oil. In 2007, he authored the professional paper “The Chemistry and Use of Pine Chemicals in the Industry” and has contributed to numerous professional publications. He is an active member of the American Chemical Society, the American Royal Chemist Society, where he reviewed conference papers for three years, and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, also reviewing papers for three years. In light of his impressive undertakings, he was honored with a Leadership Award from Kraton Corporation in 2022, Best Presenter from the American Royal Chemist Society for two consecutive years, and Best Instructor from the National Lubricating Grease Institute in 2002. He laid a solid educational foundation, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, earned in 1977, and a PhD in chemistry from the University of Alberta in Canada in 1986.
Reflecting on his path, Dr. Nelson attributes his passion for chemistry to early encouragement from mentors and family, especially a brother-in-law with a PhD in chemistry who inspired him to pursue the field. Among his notable achievements, he has commercialized innovative products and made significant contributions to the pine chemicals industry, particularly in lubrication. He has also presented extensively to the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers and played a vital role at the National Lubricating Grease Institute, where he taught courses on the chemistry of oils and derivatives in lubricant formulation, earning recognition as best presenter.
Dr. Nelson takes great pride in mentoring young professionals in the biochemical industry, guiding them on the diverse applications of biochemicals. He attributes his success to a continuous willingness to learn and his adaptability throughout his career. Looking to the future, he is committed to coaching and mentoring aspiring scientists and business professionals, helping them innovate for commercialization and create value for themselves and society. With a plan to retire in the near future, he is also considering consulting. In advising aspiring professionals, he says to stay curious and to gaining a foundational understanding of each new area before taking action.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Dr. Nelson:
