Contributed by Katie McIntyre
Over the MLK holiday weekend, 19 Paper Science and Engineering students at NC State University travelled to Kingsport, TN for the annual TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit.
The 2011 Student Summit allowed students from paper science programs across the country the opportunity to learn more about the pulp and paper and packaging industries directly from professionals involved in day-to-day operations. Industry leaders met with students to impart some of their professional knowledge to budding engineers.
Throughout the weekend, students heard from professionals at a variety of levels; from mill managers to young professionals. Sessions highlighted new technologies in printed and flexible circuitry, biofuels energy, and carbon management.
Dedicated to preparing paper science students for successful careers, TAPPI provided students with essential information about interviewing, resume building and personal finance for young professionals.
Multiple companies took the opportunity to interview students for jobs, internships and co-ops during the Summit. More than one NC State student secured an internship over the weekend!
It has become tradition for the Student Summit to be held near a prominent manufacturing facility in order to provide students the opportunity to take a tour of the mill. This year was no exception, attendees were treated to a detailed tour of the Domtar Kingsport mill. Domtar was a key sponsor of the weekend event and supported many of the sessions with its professionals.
TAPPI Student Summits are never all work! Students had ample time to network with their peers from across the country and even got the opportunity to travel to Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium Park to visit the local “wolf pack” and had a “howling” good time. Take a listen!
The weekend wrapped up with a final challenge to the student participants. Groups took part in the “Marshmallow Challenge.” Their task: to build a structure in less than 18 minutes that would support a marshmallow with a few pieces of spaghetti, a little string and some tape. Who thought a marshmallow would be so heavy? Take a look at some of the spaghetti towers students built.
Senior and double major in Paper Science & Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Jamie Pye, was awarded a McNutt scholarship from TAPPI to help fund the chapter’s travel to the conference.
Learn more about Paper Science and Engineering at NC State.