RALEIGH, N.C. -- In 1954, the paper industry established a pulp and paper program at N.C. State in part to help man a pulp and paper industry boom in the southern United States. Students in this program were able to receive a B.S. degree in Pulp and Paper Technology (PPT). The students could also stay for one additional semester and receive a second B.S. in Chemical Engineering, a program feature then not available at any of the other schools offering paper science degrees. With strong regional support, an outstanding scholarship endowment, and this unique dual degree program, the NC State program began to establish itself as a dominant program in the United States. In 2004, this program became jointly administered by the College of Natural Resources and the College of Engineering, and its name was changed to Paper Science and Engineering. In 2005, the program became ABET accredited.
Abby Hickman is a student in the program, and she shares some of her experiences at N.C. State.
What attracted you to the Paper Science and Engineering program?
I was initially introduced to the Paper Science and Engineering program through recruitment materials from NC State that highlighted scholarships and strong career opportunities. At the time, I was exploring different engineering disciplines and had not been exposed to the paper industry. After starting the program, what truly drew me in was the close-knit community, hands-on learning environment, and strong connection to industry. It became clear very quickly that this program offered both a strong technical foundation and a clear path into a rewarding career.
Were you looking into pulp and paper when you were in high school?
No, I had never heard of the pulp and paper industry while I was in high school. Growing up in a small town, I had limited exposure to this field. It was not until I began receiving information from NC State that I became aware of the opportunities within the industry. Taking that initial step to try the program ended up opening doors I did not know existed.
Tell us about the internships and/or co-ops you have had.
I have completed two internships with International Paper in Franklin, Virginia. During these experiences, I worked within mill operations and had the opportunity to apply concepts from the classroom to real-world processes. I gained exposure to process systems, troubleshooting, and day-to-day operations, while also working alongside engineers and operators.
These internships helped me better understand how different areas of the mill are interconnected and how important consistency and communication are to maintaining efficiency and product quality. They also gave me confidence in my technical abilities and helped me see what a long-term career in this industry could look like.
What does this program mean to you?
This program has given me more than just an education, it has given me a sense of direction, community, and opportunity. The close-knit environment allows for strong relationships with professors and peers, while the hands-on learning approach makes coursework directly applicable to real-world situations.
It has also connected me to an industry with strong career opportunities and meaningful impact. Through internships, TAPPI involvement, and leadership programs like the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program, I have been able to grow both technically and personally.
Where do you see yourself in five and 10 years, and what are your career aspirations?
In five years, I see myself working as a process or production engineer in a mill, continuing to build technical expertise and gaining hands-on experience in operations and process improvement.
In 10 years, I hope to take on a leadership role where I can contribute to both operational success and team development. I am interested in roles that allow me to mentor others, lead projects, and drive improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.
What would you recommend to anyone who might be interested in getting into pulp and paper?
I would recommend being open to the opportunity, even if it is not something you are familiar with. The industry offers strong career stability, hands-on work, and the ability to make a tangible impact.
I would also encourage students to take advantage of internships, networking opportunities, and involvement in organizations like TAPPI. Those experiences provide valuable insight into the industry and help build connections that are important for long-term success.
Please let us know of anything else of interest regarding your experiences in the program.
One of the most impactful parts of my experience has been my involvement in TAPPI and leadership development. Attending TAPPICon allowed me to connect with professionals across the country, and I now serve as Student Chair for the 2027 TAPPI Student Summit, which will be hosted in Raleigh, NC.
Additionally, my role as a PSE Recruitment Intern and College of Natural Resources Ambassador has allowed me to give back by helping recruit and support future students. Being able to share my experience and help others discover the program has been especially meaningful.
Please tell us your year in the program, your hometown, and any interesting things you do in your free time.
I am a junior double-majoring in Paper Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering at NC State University, and I am from Lexington, Virginia.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, including hiking and swimming, as well as spending time with friends, playing sports and exploring new places.
