
Austin Jostpille
27, Process Engineer for Acetonitrile and Hydrogen Cyanide units, INEOS Nitriles (Lima, Ohio – USA),
Graduate Message:
Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
As a Process Engineer, I am responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the assets on the site, specifically in the Acetonitrile and Hydrogen Cyanide process units. I am also responsible for identifying cost improvement projects and initiatives, as well as troubleshooting unit issues. I also serve as one of the lead Process Engineers and/or Project Manager for various small to mid-cap projects around the site.
Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I enjoy playing and watching baseball, basketball, [American] football and golf (really any sport)! I also enjoy biking and participating in water sports (water skiing and wakeboarding). Most importantly, I enjoy going to different micro-breweries with friends and trying new craft beer!
What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
I am looking forward to the physical challenges of being able to run, hike, and mountain bike across the Namibia desert and coastline. I am excited to see the Namibia landscape (hopefully some wildlife too!) and to stand on top of the Brandberg mountain! I am also looking forward to being able to turn off the mental brakes and being able to complete this challenge with friends and co-workers!
What are you most apprehensive about?
I am most apprehensive about running across Namibia in the heat – heck it is hot enough running in Ohio in the summer! I cannot imagine what Namibia is like! Hopefully, my body can adapt to the weather and terrain without any injury along the way.
What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
I hope to be able to finish the challenge without injury and have the feeling of accomplishment after completing this exciting adventure!
Anything else you'd like to share?
Having a company like INEOS that values lifestyle fitness enough to send the 3-year graduates to Africa is absolutely amazing! This challenge has changed my outlook on lifestyle fitness and is the motivation that I need to get back in shape!