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College of Natural Resources
Forest Biomaterials

Alumni Spotlight: Sam Melikian – Class of ’19

May 5, 2020
Sam Melikian - Class of '19 - Forest Biomaterials NC State University

Sam Melikian graduated from NC State in 2019 with a BS in Paper Science and Engineering and a Minor in Business Administration . We recently reached out to Sam to find out about his experiences since  graduating from NC State, and what advise he  would pass on to current students.  Thanks for your time Sam.

Experience at NC State

  •  Internship/co-op experience: Undergraduate Research Assistant, NC State- Summers 2016 and 2017, Product Development Co-Op, Kapstone Paper, Charleston, SC – Spring 2017, Process Engineer Internship, Twin Rivers Paper, Little Falls, NY- Summer 2018, BioResources Journal Editor- Spring 2019
  • Favorite class: PSE 371 – Pulping Process Analysis with Dr. Jameel. Dr. Jameel granted us a lot of independence when working on our labs, where we related our classroom learnings to a workplace environment. I learned the importance of being prepared for any and all questions when giving a presentation. There were always some pretty heated discussions that always made for an entertaining class.
    PSE 415 – Paper Industry Strategic Project Analysis with Dr. Gonzalez. This class gave me a better understanding of what factors can green-light a project or stop it dead in the water. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into the financial side of project management and decision-making in the paper industry. I learned a lot more about business management from Dr. Gonzalez’s class than I did from any of the business classes I took.
    PSE 465 – Advanced Process Engineering with Dr. Pal. This class was a lot of fun and really drove home the importance of using statistics for process and quality control. Dr. Pal did an excellent job explaining how to implement Lean Six Sigma principles in a manufacturing environment. I have been using the principles from this class since the first day I started at Twin Rivers and it’s helped me tremendously.
  • Best memory at State: Besides beating UNC in the wrestling dual every single year, it meant the world to me when the PSE faculty and staff showed interest and attended our matches. The faculty have a genuine interest and care for all of their students, not just academically, but personally.
  • Worst memory at State: Battling constant injuries in my senior year and having to hobble around Biltmore Hall. When I was injured, I would try to sneak past Mrs. Piercy’s and Mrs. Harrod’s offices, because as the wonderful women they were, they couldn’t help but worry.
  • Clubs/Hobbies: Student-Athlete, foster volunteer for 2PawsUp
  • Favorite part of PSE program:  I know it sounds cliche, but the PSE program really is like a family. Everyone in the program- faculty, professors, and students- embrace newcomers with open arms. As an out-of-state student who didn’t know anyone in the program, this meant the world to me.
  • Most important thing PSE taught me: The PSE program really drove home the importance of going above and beyond anything you are asked to do. Dr. Byrd’s professional development classes did a phenomenal job preparing me for interviews, project management, and general workplace etiquette in a paper mill. Dr. Jameel’s honest but brutal presentation critiques taught me to always do my due diligence, anticipate any questions that may arise, and have answers prepared for all of them.
  • Company/job position: Twin Rivers Paper, Little Falls, NY – Operations Specialist
  • Years at current job: June 2019; current role since January 2020
  • Favorite part of the job: In my current position, I always have very engaging work to do. In Operations, you never know what the day is going to bring in terms of machine runnability, new opportunities for continuous improvement, maintenance work, and the various other situations that are inevitable at a paper mill. The work hours can be long, but the day goes by fast when you have fulfilling work to do.
  • Biggest accomplishment in career: I’m thankful for the opportunity to have moved into a mill management position in Operations this early in my career. It’s been a bit like drinking from a fire hose, but I’ve learned so much already. I am working on a few different projects related to continuous improvement initiatives and new product development that I have the opportunity to present to senior management.

Advice for Current Students

  • Never stop learning! Always ask questions and seek out more information- even if it is related to something you think you already know everything about, or if it is related to a topic that has no apparent benefit to you. Make connections with as many people as you can and talk to people across all departments- you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn and grow from just talking with people and asking questions.

Personal Information

  • Hometown: Mohegan Lake, NY
  • Current Hobbies: Outside of work, I am a wrestling coach at the local high school and the youth club. I enjoy reading, working out, going to concerts, and spending time with my girlfriend (Kelly), my brother (Alex) and our dogs (Roscoe, Molly, and Anoush). I’m also in Graduate School for my Master’s in Engineering Management at Clarkson University.