Menlo News December 06, 2017

Rey Banatao ’91 Makes Advanced Polymers Come Alive for Menlo Middle Schoolers

The main thread throughout was the importance of finding something you love to do that the world needs

Ray Banatao '91 speaks to Menlo 8th graders about his career working with advanced plastics

One word: plastics.

In a presentation for Menlo 8th graders on December 6, Rey Banatao ’91 talked about his career founding and running companies involved with advanced plastics and resins, deftly weaving stories about elite action sports athletes with precise descriptions of how modern plastics can remain so strong and light.

The main thread throughout was the importance of finding something you love to do that the world needs. Banatao explained that after gaining advanced training in biochemistry, his initial ventures were aimed at improving action sports equipment, following the passions he had as a child. However, he and his partners soon realized they could have a greater impact focusing on developing the materials other companies could use to make those products.

To conclude the presentation, Banatao brought some volunteers to the front and had them help convert recycled thermoset materials into 3-D printing filament, which you can see in this video.