ATLANTA, Georgia -- At Georgia Tech's College of Engineering, an endowment currently supports the engineering students who choose to enhance their degree with a certificate in pulp and paper.
Georgia Tech boasts some of the top minds in the fields of chemical and biomolecular engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering covering a wide range of research areas in both bioproducts and bioprocessing.
An undergraduate student who is studying any engineering discipline at GT may obtain the certificate by taking twelve credit hours as electives. Some students initially intend to obtain this certificate, but many learn about our industry and get hooked.
The program was founded in 1984, recognizing the need for strong pulp and paper engineers for Georgia- and southeast US-based companies. The Director of this program for many years was Dr. Jeff Hsieh. After his retirement in 2015, the reigns were handed to Dr. Chris Luettgen. The education of these fine students and watching them blossom in our industry has been a gratifying experience to be a part, Dr. Luettgen said.
Paperitalo Publications was able to interview Tatum Havard, and we asked her a few questions about her experiences at Georgia Tech.
What attracted you to the Pulp and Paper program?
For many years, I have wanted to work in sustainable packaging. I detest unnecessary waste on an idealistic level, and disposable packaging is as ubiquitous as it is varied. Despite that, I know that single-use packaging isn't going anywhere; its convenience, sterility, and other advantages are too significant. Rather than striving to eliminate single use packaging, the goal must be improvement. Paper is certainly an improvement over many oil-derived materials used currently, and further innovation can improve things like the biodegradability or function of non-plastic coatings. It was with that mindset that I stumbled my way in the pulp and paper program at Georgia Tech. The people who I found there were welcoming and inspired. The industry is simultaneously well-established and eager for innovation, with efforts to reduce plastic waste well underway. Cliché as it may sound, I'm quite excited for what the future holds, which is why I stay engaged with the program.
Were you looking into pulp and paper when you were in high school?
Not particularly. I knew I wanted to work in sustainable packaging, but not how to do so. Most of my research into where I should go to school and what I should study was less than helpful. Instead, I went to Kennesaw State University to study Environmental Engineering. I later took a mentor's advice to try transferring to Georgia Tech, changing my major to Chemical Engineering in the process. Even then, it was more than a year before I became involved with the school's pulp and paper programs.
Tell us about the internships and/or co-ops you have had.
I have not yet had any internships or co-ops, largely due to my transfer student status. However, I'm extremely excited to take up the role of a Process Engineer Intern with Andritz this summer. I cannot wait to gain experience and put my currently rather academic knowledge to use. Everyone I've talked to from the company has been warm, welcoming, and willing to answer my numerous questions; I sincerely hope to be just as helpful.
What does this program mean to you?
This program means opportunity to me. The professors here are eager to share their experiences and help students grow, a kindness I feel so very blessed to receive. Their passion helps fuel my desire to learn more. Those same professors have opened doors for me to talk to many recruiters and longtime professionals in the industry, which allows me to greatly expand my knowledge and connections. I've also gotten the opportunity to spend time with other students like me, even attending the recent Tappi Student Summit with a group from Georgia Tech. Both the playful banter and time spent learning from my peers are invaluable.
Where do you see yourself in five and 10 years, and what are your career aspirations?
I struggle to imagine where I will be in any of those timeframes, though perhaps that simply speaks to my inexperience. Regardless, I am excited to begin working in the paper industry. I may want to get involved with research or higher education one day in the future, but I'd rather get more hands-on experience first.
What would you recommend to anyone who might be interested in getting into pulp and paper?
Through my attendance at the Tappi Student Summit, I got to meet passionate students in this field from schools across the country. I got to hear about who helped them with advice and connections, about what they've seen and done, about their internships and research. This field has people striving to help future professionals, you just have to find them. That would be my advice, though admittedly I would directly point the way towards Georgia Tech and the Renewable Bioproducts Institute. Beyond that, researching and learning through the internet or library has never been easier. Building foundational knowledge about pulp and paper is quite doable, particularly with the field's very traditional roots.
Please let us know of anything else of interest about your experiences in the program.
Classroom learning simply cannot compare to hands-on experience. As such, I truly appreciate the work of Dr. Luettgen and others for trying to make sure students get the best opportunities for growth through labs, tours, and events.
Please tell us what year you are in the program, your hometown, and anything interesting you might do in your free time.
I'm currently an undergraduate 4th year at Georgia Tech, though I didn't get involved with the program until late in my college career. I'm from the Alpharetta area. In my spare time, I love cardmaking and I am quite the bookworm. I also place a lot of value on time spent with my family.
