In her own words: Kevryn Boser Dixon, Reliability Manager, American Refining Group
What or who fueled your interest in manufacturing?
It was important to me to live in the hometown where I was raised. In our community – Bradford, PA – our primary employment base is in manufacturing. I first became interested in and learned to enjoy actually producing something through the high school program. I love the sense of accomplishment in manufacturing something tangible and getting to do it in my hometown.
What is your current role in manufacturing?
I work at American Refining Group (ARG) in a technical capacity as an engineer and have a leadership role in overseeing an engineering team. Our team plays a critical role in ensuring smooth operations and efficiency through equipment reliability. My responsibilities include safeguarding the reliability of critical equipment, seeking improvements, and identifying viable equipment solutions that benefit the company and continue to ensure and increase our safety within the community.
Describe your path to get to where you are today.
Undoubtedly, my grandfather, an engineer himself, was a significant role model. It was his influence that first motivated me to enroll in the machine technology program while attending Bradford Area High School. This impactful program covered all aspects of machine operations from theory to design, including setup and operations. I very much enjoyed the hands-on experience which further drove my desire to continue my education as an engineer. I graduated from Penn State DuBois in Materials Engineering. At PSU DuBois, I was able to learn many things about materials in manufacturing and powdered metal. While attending school, I had the opportunity to intern for five years in the engineering department at ARG. I joined the ARG engineering department full-time after graduation and have continued to gain experience and assume more responsibilities.
What is your Superpower?
A key strength, or my superpower, is my approach and attitude in facing a problem. I enjoy coming at a problem as something to be solved and staying calm and thoughtful in finding the solution. I also feel that my foundation of experience in HS, college, interning and working full-time has provided a strong background of knowledge from which I can draw from – even early in my career.
Why is your role important to others – like to customers or end users?
My role is critical to the operations and safety of the refinery and affects the bottom line profits. My role is important as it keeps products flowing in the safest way possible through inspections, improvements, replacements, and good design.
What do you think the future holds for your career or others you inspire?
I will continue to develop technical skills in engineering, as well as leadership skills that I can continue to have a positive impact within my company. I look to continued opportunities to give back to the community, the Bradford Area High School machine technology program, Penn State DuBois program, Pitt Bradford’s program, and anywhere my story can help influence others, particularly young women pursuing a STEM career, to consider manufacturing or engineering.
