E23-16: Design of Experiments (DoE): Key to Effectiveness and Continuous Improvement in the Laboratory

 One-Day Course
Monday, Nov. 13; 8:30am – 5:00pm

 Dr. Zenaida Otero Gephardt, Otero Associates, Wilmington, DE

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Design of Experiments (DoE) minimizes the number of experiments required for any laboratory application. It generates more robust and interpretable data and allows for faster identification of optimal experimental conditions. DoE is an essential element of quality by design (QbD) and six sigma analyses. Experimental design allows for optimization of continuous improvement techniques in the laboratory. Many DoE techniques only require a calculator or spreadsheet software. This course will provide participants with analysis tools to immediately use in their laboratories, including an introduction to available experimental design software. Practical applications will be used to illustrate experimental designs and data analyses.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Analytical chemists at all levels will benefit from this course. Laboratory supervisors and technical personnel responsible for direct data analysis and reporting, or their management, will also benefit. 

TOPICS
1. Introduction and Basic DoE
  a. Background -Where DoE Fits in QbD and Six Sigma 
  b. Overview of DoE Calculation Tools
  c.  Designs for Linear and Pseudo-Linear Systems – Factorials
  d. Designs for Initial Stages of Experimentation – Scouting Designs

2. Designs for Complex Systems
  a. Background – Nonlinear Systems
  b. Nonlinear Systems
  c. Mixtures

3. Continuous Improvement Applications and Intricate or Tricky Systems
  a. Evolutionary Designs 
  b. Optimal Designs

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Zenaida Otero Gephardt
 is 

Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering at Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ) where she has served as Director of Engineering and Assistant Dean. Dr. Gephardt is also a chemical process industry consultant. She has developed statistical models and experimental designs for a wide range of chemical processes including high pressure and supercritical systems, multi-phase systems and aquaculture applications. Dr. Gephardt has worked with a wide range of system scales ranging from bench scale laboratory systems to large-scale industrial applications and has over 30 years of experience in analysis and optimization applications. She teaches on-site courses for industry and provides analysis and experimental design support. Dr. Gephardt is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and is a registered Professional Engineer in Delaware. She is the recipient of Rowan University teaching and advising awards, a recipient of an Eminent Engineer
Award from the AIChE Minority Affairs Committee and has contributed to ‘Ask the Expert’ in Laboratory Manager. Dr. Gephardt holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware.