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Spencer Payne – Student Spotlight

Spencer Payne

Hometown:

  •  I’ve lived in 6 states, so I do not have one that I consider home, but have lived in Raleigh longer than any other city in NC.

High School Graduation Year:

  • 2017

Degrees:

  • BS, Paper Science and Engineering, 2021
  • BS, Chemical Engineering, 2021
  • Minor in Business Administration

Work Experience:

  • WestRock, Covington, VA Spring 2019
  • Graphic Packing International, Lumberton, NC Summer 2019
  • Campbell’s Soup, Maxton, NC Summer 2020

Why did you choose  Paper Science and Engineering (PSE)?

  • I have a passion for sustainable materials and producing environmentally conscious packaging with forest biomaterials instead of petroleum.

What is your favorite thing about Paper Science and Engineering?

  • The hands on nature of learning found in the PSE department is a unique gift that is not offered in other engineering departments.

What is your favorite thing about NC State?

  • I feel like my time and education here at NC State is worth every penny. I feel like the school puts the money back into their students development and most of the professors care about your success.

What advice would you offer to an incoming freshman?

  • Don’t be afraid to make changes, take risks, and look for what fits you. If you take on too much, admit it and ask for help. If you don’t like what you’re studying, look for something that interests you more.

What would people be surprised to know about you? 

  • I love to listen to and share music. I particularly enjoy metal, EDM/dubstep, and rock. If you see me listening to music it is probably a coin toss between heavy screamo and Ed Sheeran.

Who has been your favorite staff and/or faculty member?

  • Dr. Nathalie Lavoine has been a great mentor for me. I have had the pleasure of being her research assistant twice and her TA once. She has been a great professional resource and has greatly supplemented my education.