Kelly Wilber

What attracted you to your chosen field?
I initially went to NC State for Chemical Engineering because I really enjoyed Math and Science and I had a Dad that would leave articles on my bed once a week telling me how great a career in chemical engineering would be and that the starting salaries were some of the highest out of school. Upon being accepted in engineering, the Pulp and Paper Foundation at NC State sent me a letter saying they would give me a substantial scholarship if I would join the Pulp and Paper program and would be able to earn 2 degrees. I was not sure what Pulp and Paper was but a free education with 2 degrees sounded excellent.

What do you like best about the field?
Pulp and Paper is an extremely challenging field. Current market conditions, environmental conditions and overseas competition have put an extreme strain on the industry. Everyday you face a new challenge whether it be cutting costs, improving quality, or troubleshooting maintenance issues there is always something to keep your attention and I enjoy a good challenge.

What are some personal challenges you have faced in your field?
The biggest personal challenge with this field is long hours and 24/7 coverage. The mills are always running and as a supervisor you are always on call. Sometimes your personal life is put on hold. Coming out of college or trying to have a family can be difficult. You have to learn quickly how to prioritize your life.

What does the future hold for your chosen field?
The paper industry faces serious challenges for the future with stricter environmental regulations, increased electric and fuel costs, increased raw material costs and overseas competition for our recycled materials, and decreased demand for non-consumer product paper. The paper industry is looking to diversify their product line such as making biofuels with pulp as a byproduct to make the industry more profitable.

What things can students do to prepare for a career in this field?
To prepare for a career in the Pulp and Paper Industry you need to be fully aware of the challenges, be strong in math and science, be able to problem solve under pressure, and be able to communicate well with a range of people from CEO's to those who barely graduated high school.

Tim Horn

Name: Tim Horn
Hometown: New Hartford, NY
Education: Wooden Boat School (ME), A.A.S. Finished Carpentry, SUNY-Morrisville, B.S. Wood Products from NC State, Masters in Wood and Paper Science, currently working on Doctorate in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Tim on his chosen career:
“There’s something good and honest about this industry and the people in it. Something that can’t be seen. but can only be felt. Not to mention that wood is a completely renewable resource. Unlike steel, plastics, or other raw materials, wood grows on trees!

An education in wood products opens doors to a successful future. If you like to design, wood as a material is naturally beautiful and strong. If you like engineering, math or physics, try jobs in drying, processing or figuring out how to use wood efficiently. If you like chemistry, there are jobs in adhesives, finishing, and composites.

This is field where you can pour your heart and soul into everything you do. Be it hand planning a coopered door, designing a laminated beam spanning a hundred and fifty feet, or even working with high-speed industrial machines. It’s all there if you want it and you’re willing to work to achieve your goals.”

Dr. John Heitmann

Hometown: Savannah, GA now Raleigh, NC

Major(s)/Minor(s): PPT major. Was dual with CHE but elected to go to grad school instead of completing 5th year.

Year of graduation:
1966 BS
1968 MS
1972 PhD

Jobs held since graduation ending in current position:
Process Engineer (several times), Mill Analyst for headquarters staff, Industrial Engineer, Pulp Mill Superintendent, Technical Manager, Mill Manager, Assoc. Professor, Professor. Six people in my graduating class of 26 ended up as VP's.

Aspects of the WPS program that have helped the most in my career:
I think the practical and very relevant content of the curriculum has been the most help. You actually work on realistic problems over a wide range of issues and learn how to think about complex issues and processes to solve them.

Advice for someone considering attending NC State and the Department of Wood & Paper Science:
Talk to as many people as you can about careers. Companies vary considerably. Also get a summer job asap. We cover enormous amounts of information and skills in the curriculum. If you have some job experience it is a lot easier to evaluate and organize this curricular material. If possible get several different jobs in different mills with different products or a supplier job.

Kelley Spence

Hometown: My hometown is Roanoke Rapids, NC - home to one of the oldest kraft mills in the US, and I currently live in Raleigh. 

Major(s)/Minor: I was a double major in Paper Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering.

Year of graduation:
May of 2007

Jobs held since graduation ending in current position:
I am currently a Ph.D. student in the WPS department.  I had several job offers after graduation, but I decided that I wanted to further my education instead of going directly into the workforce.
 
Aspects of the WPS program that have helped the most in my career:
The most important aspect of the WPS program I think is the requirement of at least one internship.  Many people without work experience enter the work force not knowing what to expect and they may not like their job.  I did co-ops and internships with 4 different companies in 5 different industries to determine which type of industry I preferred and which job positions I would like to obtain in the future. 

Advice for someone considering attending NC State and the Department of Wood & Paper Science:
For those considering attensding NCSU and the Department of Wood and Paper Science, I would tell them that it will be hard work, but the payoff will be well worth it in the long run.  I would also tell them that the awesome faculty will make sure that they have fun while learning and that they understand the material well.

For Alumni & Friends

• Alumni Profiles
• Giving Options
• Update Your Information
• WPS Department History
• Community for Diversity
• Support the Department
• College News & Events
• WPS News & Events

Key Contacts