If you walk into the lab where Research and Development Specialist Alexandria Vanderski works on any given day, you can see new ideas and products in progress on every surface. The benches and equipment show the results of thousands of tests and experiments based on the latest research, perfecting chemical processes for Gentex dimmable products. “Research and Development (R&D) work is both incredibly exciting and equally challenging,” she said.
The challenges are also visible: A dozen samples of electrochromic chemistry tests hang next to a stained fume hood where a new batch of chemistry reacted in an unexpected way. Developments can take years of research to get from an initial concept to market-ready products.
But for Alexandria, the daily challenges she faces are simply part of her work.
“The idea is that behind every win we have in R&D, there are at least ten ‘learning opportunities.’ It is in those challenging moments that the potential of the new product keeps you going,” she said.
Her career path has also been an experience in finding potential, through opportunities at Gentex.
She originally started working at the company on the production line in 2016 after graduating from Hope with a bachelor’s degree in biology.
“After four years in production, I left the company to refocus on my biology career.”
But her skills and knowledge brought her back to Gentex: her biology background and lab experience also applied to the electrochromic chemistry used in Gentex dimming products. She rejoined the company in 2022 as a process technician.
That opportunity led to her role in Research and Development, where she currently focuses on supporting large-area dimming devices. Alexandria’s work in R&D is not a role that she originally saw for herself as a biology graduate. Looking back, she sees her career path as an example for employees and job seekers, and encourages people to explore the career possibilities available at Gentex.
“There are opportunities for those from all backgrounds and educations. We do so much more than car mirrors - if you are dedicated to learning and open to trying something new, you never know what you might end up working on,” she said.
For Alexandria, trying something new is now an everyday part of her wide-ranging job. On a given day, she might spend time mixing chemicals, organizing data, chemically coating glass, packing shipments, ordering supplies or collaborating with other members of the team to create and test new ideas.
“I love working in a space that promotes experimentation and fosters new ideas,” she said. "‘No’ is an uncommon response at Gentex. We usually hear ‘run with it,’ ‘let's give it a try,’ and ‘fail fast.’”
“Gentex is uniquely tenacious,” she added. “If a machine doesn't exist to perform a task, we build it. If a chemical doesn't fit our process, we synthesize one. If algorithms are not written to run new products or equipment, we write them.”
Through that spirit of constant innovation in the R&D space, Alexandria and her colleagues continue to push for new knowledge and innovation, developing the technology that is at the center of Gentex products.