Anne Campeau Burley ’05

For Anne Campeau Burley ’05, a passion for problem-solving began at GPS and evolved into a dynamic career in engineering, business, and innovation. Today, she is the Director of Polypropylene Technical Strategy with INVISTA, where she leads long-term planning and product development for materials used across industries—from healthcare and automotive to everyday household products.

But Anne’s journey into science wasn’t always written in the stars.

“I never knew what an engineer was until my ninth-grade physics teacher, Mrs. Strunk, told me I’d be one someday,” she recalls. That single comment sparked a curiosity that grew stronger with the encouragement of GPS teachers like Mr. Sanders (chemistry) and Mr. Haynes (physics). “From there, I learned about all the different types of engineering and eventually discovered Polymer and Fiber Engineering at Georgia Tech. It blended my love for chemistry, mechanics, and materials—plus, I’ve always been a crafter. It was the best of both worlds.”

After earning her B.S. from Georgia Tech, Anne built a career rooted in both technical expertise and business acumen. From product development roles at ExxonMobil to leading teams and shaping global strategies at INVISTA, Anne’s path has included stints in manufacturing, R&D, sales, and business development. She later added a master’s in engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management to her credentials—education that helped her pivot into strategic leadership roles.

“I’ve always been curious. If I could be a perpetual student, I would,” she says. “That confidence to try new things came from GPS. It’s all just a puzzle to be solved.”

Anne holds five patents, has applied to NASA’s Astronaut Selection Program four times (“I can at least say I shot for the stars,” she jokes), and even spent time in the Utah desert simulating a Mars mission for a CMT documentary series. Still, she finds her greatest pride not in accolades, but in mentorship.

“My proudest career accomplishment is reaching a role where I can coach others through t echnical challenges or career decisions. I had mentors who helped me, and now I get to pay it forward.”

She is deeply committed to supporting STEM education, both mentoring undergraduate engineers and coaching elementary Science Olympiad teams. “Girls need to see that they can do this. Diversity in engineering leads to more perspectives, more innovation. We need all kinds of minds in the room.”

Anne’s GPS experience laid the foundation for her success—and not just academically.

“GPS gave me the grit and stamina to thrive at Georgia Tech. I watched others struggle to balance life and school, but I was prepared.”

Fond memories of rowing on the river with the varsity crew team, outdoor club adventures, science lab hijinks, and even the aroma of the pottery room continue to shape her appreciation for those formative years. She credits GPS for being a safe space to try—and to fail.

“GPS was the place for me to experiment and explore—to try the things that seemed out of my comfort zone.”

Her advice to current students?

“Don’t only do what you know you’ll be good at. Life is messy—and that’s where real learning happens.”

From the crew boats of Chattanooga to strategy sessions shaping the future of sustainable materials, Anne Campeau Burley proves that the spirit of a GPS girl—principled, curious, confident—can take you anywhere.