Entrepreneur, materials expert, recycling advocate
Emily Molstad was recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Manufacturing & Industry. This rising star wants to help save the planet, and she is all-in on a career to do just that.
She is the co-founder and CEO of a startup company, VALIS Insights, which develops software for optimizing the sorting of scrap metal in the recycling process. How big is the possible impact of her company? Optimizing the sorting of scrap metal is a crucial process to be able to reuse aluminum, one of the nation's most critical minerals. Recycling aluminum saves up to 95 percent of the energy needed to make it from scratch. The success of her company translates to significant cost savings in manufacturing and increases the resiliency of the U.S. supply chain.
Emily’s company evolved from Solvus Global, a REMADE member where she worked as a senior engineer. REMADE is the Manufacturing USA institute dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy in which materials are not discarded after they are used but brought back into the economy through various means. REMADE and its members strive to dramatically reduce emissions and the use of virgin materials and increase the supply and use of recycled materials.
Emily is a key player in one of REMADE's remanufacturing research projects, which involves processing aluminum scrap at end-of-life using artificial intelligence and smart sensing. Emily presented the latest research on this project at the 2023 REMADE Circular Economy Tech Summit & Conference.
Emily has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Material Science and a minor in Environmental Sustainability Studies from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She also has a Master’s degree in Material Science and Engineering and has completed several other programs, including the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps. For her efforts to secure the future of sustainable U.S. manufacturing through innovation, Emily Molstad is a Modern Maker
Q&A with Emily
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
I took a course during my first semester of college called “Recycle the World,” where I met my mentors, Diran Apelian and Sean Kelly, and fell in love with circular technology. Sean, Diran, and colleague Aaron Birt went on to co-found Solvus Global, where I was brought on as an intern while I was an undergrad. Solvus Global develops advanced manufacturing capabilities, particularly for metals. The early idea for VALIS grew within Solvus, originating from Sean's PhD work in Automotive Aluminum Recycling Technology. As he was dedicated to growing Solvus, Sean handed the reins off to me and my co-founder Caleb, to lead VALIS. We spun out in 2022 and have been growing ever since.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
I've had to learn a lot in a short amount of time going from engineering to a role that's entirely business development and business management. The most challenging part of my job has been figuring out how to listen to my gut. As a first-time founder, I've been surrounded by a fantastic group of mentors and advisors that I can turn to for perspective and advice, but at the end of the day you have to remember that you know your business better than anyone else. More often than not, your instinct is going to be right and will allow you to move faster.
What is the best part of your job?
Building relationships with people. I love growing our team, getting to know our customers and partners, and engaging with other stakeholders working to build a circular economy. Everyone has their own story and perspective. It's great getting to learn from and engage with a community that is passionate about the future of our planet.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in it?
Manufacturing wouldn't be possible without a sustainable supply chain. The recycling industry is essential to delivering raw materials with a significantly lower impact on the planet. Recycling reduces the emissions associated with metal production by about 80 percent.
There is also a huge need for a diverse skill set in manufacturing. You do not need to be an engineer to have a career in manufacturing.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
It doesn't matter if you're early on in your career or if you feel underqualified. Don't be afraid to ask questions, find mentors and champions, and be a sponge for continuous learning, because experience comes with exposure, not time. Take opportunities to get your hands dirty, learn something new, and meet people where they are. Addressing their real challenges can help to develop your skill set at an exponential rate.
What makes you excited to go to work?
We're driven by our impact on such a critical industry for the planet. It’s incredibly motivating to know that the work we're doing is bigger than ourselves and can play a major role in protecting our natural resources for generations to come.
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your day?
Either restoring vintage furniture, running an animal rescue, or I'd buy an RV and travel all over North and South America. Maybe a combination of all three?
What activity gives you the most energy?
Doing anything creative with my hands.
How does the work you do impact the world?
The work we do at VALIS is dedicated to empowering recyclers to make data-driven decisions that increase operational efficiency and their bottom line. Our goal is to ensure the metals of yesterday are properly recovered for the demands of tomorrow and to preserve our natural resources for future generations.
