Dave Bailey

After graduation I attended the University of Delaware.  I majored in Chemistry but spent a little too much time perfecting my skills as social chairman of my fraternity.  After several years in and out of school I married (Melisse Jenkins, a Philadelphian) and thereafter paid a little more attention to my studies.  I received my BS degree but to improve my chances of landing a good job I stayed in school and completed an MS in Chemistry the following year.  At this point I had discovered biochemistry and enjoyed it so much I applied for a teaching fellowship at the University of Vermont to go on for my PhD in Biochemistry.  Three years, lots of snow and two children later my wife started packing in January indicating that it was time for me to find full time permanent employment.

That June I took what I considered at the time a temporary position as a research chemist for the USDA in an Agricultural Research Service laboratory just outside Philadelphia.  We moved to, and still live in, Bucks County, PA. 

After thirty-two years at the USDA, a lot of great travel and a fascinating career doing research on the chemistry of converting animal hides to leather, I retired and started Bailey Consulting.  Even though three of the four companies that I have consulted for over the past five years have gone bankrupt I continue on undaunted. 

I’m still married and have three children and seven grandchildren all living nearby.  Definitely a mixed blessing.  I have done my share of coaching (soccer, baseball), participated in community activities (Jaycees and local Government) and in addition to consulting I currently enjoy playing the guitar, golfing and biking when I get the time – translation - when I am not tied up in various activities with my grandchildren.