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College of Natural Resources
Forest Biomaterials

Heather Starkey – Class of ’17

January 20, 2020
Heather Starkey

Heather Starkey graduated from NC State in 2017 with degrees in Paper Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering.   We recently reached out to Heather to find out about her experiences since graduating from NC State, and what advise she would pass on to current students.  Thanks for your time Heather.

Experience at NC State

  •  Internship/co-op experience: Summer 2014 Internship with Georgia-Pacific in Rincon, Gerogia, Fall 2014 – Spring 2015 Co-op with Georgia-Pacific in Big Island, Virginia, Summer 2015 Internship with WestRock in West Point, Virginia, Spring 2016 – Spring 2017 Undergraduate Research with Dr. Jameel, Summer 2016 Internship with Georgia-Pacific in Monticello, Mississippi, Spring 2017 Co-op with Georgia-Pacific in Big Island, Virginia (worked remotely while taking classes), Summer 2017 Internship with Georgia-Pacific in Atlanta, Georgia
  • Favorite class: PSE 371 and 360
  • Best memory at State: There are so many memories, it’s hard to choose one. The top 3 would have to be: freshman retreat and first visit to a paper mill; getting my first summer job offer; and going downtown on First Friday
  • Worst memory at State:  Getting a concussion after falling down the stairs in the paper labs – definitely do not recommend
  • Clubs/Hobbies: TAPPI, AIChE, North Carolina Science Olympiad Volunteer, WISE
  • Favorite part of PSE program: Definitely the close-knit community and all of the opportunities I’ve had that were not be possible without this program
  • Most important thing PSE taught me: This program has taught me the value of community. I’ve always known it’s important to have a strong network of support, but everyone involved with the PSE program takes this to the next level. Someone is always willing to help, you just have to ask for it.

Current Career Information

  • Company/job position: Graduate Research Assistant here at NC State in the Department of Forest Biomaterials
  • Years at current job: January 2018
  • Favorite part of the job: My favorite part is being able to test new ideas and that my advisers give me the flexibility to try them in the lab
  • Biggest accomplishment in career: So far my biggest accomplishment is making it to graduate school and having a couple of manuscripts in various stages of submission.
  • What other positions have you had/or companies have you worked for: I have also worked at CHP in Taiwan to develop a full mill model in WinGEMS and taught the process engineers how to utilize it to evaluate future projects and upgrades

Advice for Current Students

  • Get to know your professors early on and learn how to ask for help.

Personal Information

  • Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina
  • Hobbies/Interests: In my spare time I like to read, bake, paint, and cross stitch. I’m also learning how to sew.
  • Tell us about your family: I would not be where I am today without my mom, dad, and sister. I am also grateful for my chosen family – Ryan Proctor and Heather Theaderman – who constantly push me to grow while attempting to stay sane. Copious amounts of emotional support have been provided by Praline and Zelda, my [roommate’s] fur-babies.