STEVENS POINT, Wisconsin -- The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Paper Science Foundation was organized in 1974 by the Paper Science Department Staff, along with industrial and business leaders.
The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point's Paper Science and Engineering program is committed to preparing students for successful technical careers in the pulp, paper and allied industries. This mission is accomplished by promoting excellence in instruction, undergraduate research opportunities, industrial internships, and involvement in professional organizations.
Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Ethan Fisher, a graduating senior in the program, and we asked him a few questions about his experiences at UWSP.
Q: What attracted you to the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering program?
A. I had many reasons for choosing the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering (PSChE) program at UW- Stevens Point. One of the main drivers was the ability to have both a broad degree that covered many different industries as well as a specialized degree in pulp and paper. Because of this, I knew that going into the program I would be able to choose what I wanted to pursue as I gained experience.
Q: Were you looking into Pulp and Paper when you were in high school?
A. Actually no, my choices for what major I would pursue in college fluctuated a lot as I progressed through high school. My Junior year I was convinced I would become an accountant, and as I entered Senior year, I started to look at mechanical engineering. I even joke sometimes with prospective students that I never took a chemistry course in high school and still ended up being a chemical engineer. One thing that was common throughout all of these majors was a heavy science or math emphasis, and this ultimately led to me attending the Chemical Engineering and Paper Science program at UW- Stevens Point.
Q: Tell us about the internships and/or co-ops you have had.
A. Following my Freshman year, I was very fortunate to have received a Field Service Technician internship at Solenis. This was a huge growth opportunity for me, as it allowed me to be placed in a professional setting and experience the type of work I would be doing if I continued pursuing my PSChE degree. Following this internship, I decided to head to the mill side for my co-op with Mativ at their Whiting Mill. This was a change of pace from the wet end chemistry-oriented work I was used to with Solenis, and there was a heavy emphasis on cost savings projects across the entire paper making process. This co-op gave me a perspective of how much goes into not only producing paper, but also how important it is to understand paper end uses when making decisions. Following my co-op, I returned to Solenis in Summer 2024 and completed two more internships as well as part-time work throughout the academic year. During this time, I have had the ability to run an account, implement multiple new chemical applications into customer processes, and work with an amazing team to learn the many skills needed to thrive in technical sales.
Q: What does this program mean to you?
A. This program means a lot to me. It has offered so many opportunities, from internships and co-ops, to attending professional experiences such as TAPPICon, and working directly with the professors through teaching assistant positions. Compared to other programs, I believe that this program prepares students to enter the work environment better than any other university.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five and ten years, and what are your career aspirations?
A. Over the next five years, I plan on building my career at Solenis. I see myself moving from my current Regional STAR position into an Account Management role and growing into a Senior Key Account Manager within the next five years. Alongside this, I am heading back to UW-Stevens Point starting in Fall 2026 to pursue a Master's in Business Administration. This move supports my aspiration of reaching senior leadership within a company as I progress later into my career.
Q: What would you recommend to anyone who might be interested in getting into pulp and paper?
A. I would recommend setting up a tour of a local paper mill and seeing the processes that go into making a sheet of paper. I think it is a common misconception that paper is something that is easy to make or that it requires minimal technology to produce. This couldn't be further from the truth, and no matter what STEM degree you pursue there is a spot in the paper industry that demands it!
Q: Please tell us what year you are in the program, your hometown, and anything interesting you might do in your free time.
A. I am a Senior in the program graduating in May 2026! I am originally from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, but after moving around during my childhood my family settled down in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in 2019 when I was a Junior in high school. In my free time I enjoy watching soccer and motorsports, and recently I started trying to pick up chess.
