Alumni Spotlight: Lyndsey Campbell

What was your favorite class and/or memory at NC State?

My favorite class was IDS 201- Environmental Ethics because it was such an eye opening learning experience about what is the truth about our environment and how we are treating it. My favorite memory during my first year when I was in Paper Science & Engineering, for Freshman introduction & team building we went to Schenck Forest . That was such a cool experience and helped me form good bonds with my classmates and professors.

How did you choose your major and what attracted you to the program at NC State?

I have a passion for the environment and sustainability, and I had experience from the paper science and engineering program, so I decided to go in the Sustainable Materials & Technology route. I really liked all the professors and felt they really cared about my success and well-being.

What did you enjoy most about being a Sustainable Materials & Technology student?

I felt that I was getting a degree that truly would make the world a better place. And it opened up the possibilities for different avenues of careers. I really enjoyed the faculty, as well. Dr. Lemaster, Dr. Peszlen, Dr. Peralta, and Guillermo Velarde, to name some in particular, always were there for me and saw-to that I was successful.

Did you complete any hands-on experiences like internships, study abroad, co-ops or undergraduate research?

While I was pursuing a paper science engineering degree, following my freshman year, I did a summer internship at KapStone Paper & Packaging in Roanoke Rapids, NC (my hometown.) There I did quality control lab testing of material that came off the paper machine, e.g. tensile and tear testing. From summer 2012 to my fifth year I worked for Kevin Wise, the Pilot Plant Manager in Pulp & Paper labs. I did technical service for Kevin. This also involved materials testing as well as running the paper machine. I learned A LOT of valuable information and skills from Kevin. He was a great boss. During my fifth year (super senior year), I did research for Dr. Lemaster and Guillermo Velarde. We presented our research at Oregon State University in the fall of 2016. The paper is titled ‘The Use of Acoustic Emission to Detect Fines for Wood-Based Composites, Part One’ and can be found on BioResources or the Open Journal Systems website. It was published in the fall of 2018.

What was the most important thing SMT taught you?

The importance of professionalism, experience, well-roundedness, and team-work. With all of the group projects, presentations, labs, hands-on experience, and much more, SMT set me up for success when I entered the real world following graduation.

What is your current company, location, and position?

I currently work as a bioANALYTICS technician at bioMASON in Research Triangle Park, NC. Although this is my position, I, and all of my coworkers wear many hats within the company and work together to achieve our goals despite our ‘job title.’ Here at bioMASON we grow bricks utilizing microorganisms. Traditional brick manufacturing is extremely hard on the environment and produces a lot of carbon emissions; our process, on the other hand, is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The fact that I am working in a company that is readily trying to slow climate change via the production of sustainable and green products is my favorite thing about my job. I also really enjoy the people here, the laid back environment, and the wealth of knowledge I learn on a daily basis.

What is your biggest accomplishment in your career?

My biggest accomplishment is a combination of things, and does not really entail a straightforward answer. Working for a start-up is a very unique experience, and throughout the year and a half I have been here, I have worked my way up to becoming a vital part of the company through our decision making processes, gaining more responsibility, and establishing a name for myself. I identified through this job that I am very detail oriented, give direction well, and am extremely organized; all qualities I was aware of previously, but did not know that I would want to utilize them in my career. Another big accomplishment is actually coming up for me in a few days; I am travelling to Munich, Germany on behalf of bioMASON to the world’s largest construction equipment trade show, BAUMA.

What is your advice for current SMT students?

My biggest piece of advice is that when you are feeling like you are failing, down, or whatever may be hindering you from success, you can always turn to the faculty of SMT to pick you right back up. Never be afraid to ask for advice, direction, or even to just vent. The faculty truly cares.

How do you spend time relaxing (or your free time)?

I really enjoy exercising, at Heat Studios on Glenwood, to be specific. I think this is a great outlet for stress and the most important thing you can do is to care for your body!