Shanying Zeng is Boeing’s technical expert on the International Aerospace Environmental Group, which is developing common procedures and requirements for environmentally progressive alternatives to regulated materials, such as chrome. She leads a group of scientists and engineers who are helping Boeing find environmentally progressive alternatives for hazardous chemicals and material used in commercial and military aircraft. One example is the chemical widely used as a flame retardant on surfaces and parts throughout most aircraft. Manufacture and import of the chemical in the United States were phased out at the end of 2013 because of concern over its effects on human health and the environment.

“Finding suitable replacements for the chemical has been a challenge since it was used on more than 155 materials on our commercial and military products. Our focused research at Boeing has led to the development of effective alternatives for 154 of these aircraft applications. The feeling of being able to make a difference makes work at Boeing so rewarding. I was part of the team that developed the carbon-fiber composite material used on the 787 Dreamliner. Now when I see the 787 flying, I think ‘Wow, I wasn’t just doing R&D. This really is a special place to work.‘”

“I was part of the team that developed the carbon-fiber composite material used on the 787 Dreamliner. Now when I see the 787 flying, I think ‘Wow, I wasn’t just doing R&D. This really is a special place to work.”