Beyond the Office: Paligen Chemical’s Director of Engineering Outlines How Her Unexpected Career Path Led to Her Current Role

Few people can identify a specific turning point in their professional lives as early as high school. As a teenager, Christel Graham, Paligen Chemical’s Director, Engineering, planned to pursue a PhD in organic chemistry. When she received an engineering scholarship, she studied chemical engineering at North Carolina State University instead – and so began her successful career.

Graham has held chemical engineering positions at DuPont, GE Energy, Purdue Pharma, and PepsiCo, as well as roles at several engineering, procurement, and construction firms. Her work has focused on chemical process design with an emphasis on safety.

Graham’s dedication and relevant experience have translated well to her roles at Paligen, first as Principal Process Engineer when she joined the company in January 2025 and then as Director, Engineering, following a promotion in October 2025. During her tenure, Graham has collaborated with global customers on an international scale, supported major business proposals, met on-site with technology providers, and led impactful project work.

“Our TNT project has been especially meaningful,” said Graham. “It’s a combination of technical complexities and strategic importance. Designing systems for an energetic facility requires deep technical focus as well as disciplined coordination, planning, and follow-through.”

In addition to the TNT project, Graham aligns and communicates with a variety of stakeholders for many initiatives. She also successfully balances Paligen’s sense of urgency in the industry with the valuable structure and processes of Paligen’s network of business partners.

All of this is possible due to her “strong, supportive” Paligen colleagues who have a shared sense of purpose. In addition to this team-oriented culture, the company’s meaningful work has been especially fulfilling for Graham. She in turn inspires and leads her colleagues to contribute their best work while also adapting and advancing quickly.

Graham also verifies Paligen’s accelerated progress accounts for safety. Her comprehensive training in process safety management, and hazard and operability study expertise have been critical assets to considering safety in every decision. She also encourages a culture where everyone shares the responsibility of speaking up and contributing to safer outcomes.

When she’s not in the office, Graham enjoys exploring Atlanta with her son, collecting seashells from the beach, and traveling internationally. She also recently earned a Master of Business Administration from Everglades University in project management.

Paligen is grateful for her leadership and contributions to our company’s collective successes. Thank you, Christel!

Christel Graham