Behind-The-Scenes with R&D

IKONICS Imaging is more than just sandcarvers and photoresist film. We have an entire team dedicated to bringing you the best sandcarving products on the market. This month, take a look behind-the-scenes with Troy Bergstedt, Director of Chemical Research in our R&D department. Troy is just one of the many team members who help make IKONICS Imaging the world leader in sandcarving solutions.

How long have you worked for IKONICS? Just about 11 years.

What is your job at IKONICS? As Director of Chemical Research, it is my job to manage our excellent group of R&D scientists and make sure all our product development/improvement/support projects stay on track and in compliance with ISO standards and regulatory requirements. I make sure the whole team has the resources they need to succeed. Every once in a while I even find the time to develop a product or two of my own.

What did you do before working at IKONICS? After grad school, I remained in academia for a few years researching materials for OLED displays. That was followed by five years at a startup biotechnology company in New Mexico. After deciding to come back home to Minnesota, I spent two semesters teaching Chemistry classes at my alma mater, UW-Superior. I then moved on to Ecolab for a while before settling in at IKONICS.

What project are you working on right now? I’m working on refining and expanding the product lineup of our SubTHAT! Dye Sublimation Transfer Films.

What are your hobbies outside of work? I’ve been a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical responder for seventeen years. I also shoot trap, hunt, fish, camp, putter around in my garage/wood shop and occasionally create things that are both recognizable and useful.

What was the best concert you ever attended? The best concert I've ever been to was Jimmy Buffett in Tampa and Jacksonville way back in my grad school days. The Parrothead tailgate parties were legendary.

If we went to happy hour, what would you order? I’m always on the lookout for microbrews that I haven’t tried yet – as long as it’s not an IPA.

Can you play any instruments? My musical talents are limited to selecting a good radio station.

And finally, the most dividing question here at IKONICS... Packers or Vikings? Not the Packers.

We will be featuring a different team member each month. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page so you don't miss out! Don’t hesitate to contact IKONICS Imaging directly with any questions. We are here to help with all your sandcarving and sandblasting needs. Call (800) 643-1037 or email us any time. We are here to help and support you!