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Meet Midrex: Corey Donahue, Senior Refractory Engineer
June 17, 2024
Each month, we spotlight one of our teammates to share a bit more about our team. This #MeetMidrex feature is Corey Donahue.
What is your role at Midrex?
I am a Senior Refractory Engineer. Refractories play a critical role in our plants by either containing heat or protecting equipment shells from harsh process environments. The Refractory Team at Midrex is responsible for refractory from the design step through installation. We write specifications and requisitions, design the linings of high temperature ducts and vessels, perform quality control (QC) checks, and anything else needed to get the refractory to the job site. We also serve as onsite installation advisers for both new plant construction and existing plant relines.
What is your favorite part about working at Midrex?
It’s the large variety of things to learn. I love learning new things, and there are enough things ‘about a MIDREX® Plant that I can learn something new every day. I have the privilege of learning from experts who provide insights on a wide range of topics, from burner technologies and plant operations to innovative processes experimented with since the 1970s.
I was drawn to Midrex by its role in decarbonizing the steel industry. I believe investment in green steel will be critical to slowing climate change and I am proud to be playing a part in that transformation. Also, green steel is an exciting field of refractories research right now. Refractories manufacturers worldwide are focusing on green steel applications and DRI in their research.
What are your favorite memories of where you grew up?
I grew up in St. Louis MO, and my favorite memories are sports-related: [Mark] McGwire’s home run chase, the [major league baseball] Cardinals’ World Series wins, and the [national football league] ’99 Rams season.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time outdoors on the water either fishing or swimming. Indoors, I enjoy gaming of all kinds: PC gaming, RPGs with my friends, board games (including those I create), and collectible card games (hobby since the mid-‘90s).
What advice would you give to a new teammate?
As a new teammate myself, the advice I would give is to take advantage of all the training Midrex offers. Pay attention during the classes and learn the terms. Listen to people having conversations around you and learn the vocabulary from them. The faster you pick up the vocabulary, the quicker you can get up to speed with your teammates and pitch in during conversations.
