2021 TAPPI Scholarship Winners

Each year, TAPPI awards over $50,000 in scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students in the pulp, paper, packaging and related industries.  Congratulations to the seven, 2021 recipients from NC State below. For a complete list of recipients see the full TAPPI article. 

Camille Brulé
Winner of the William L. Cullison Scholarship

Camille Brulé is a senior at North Carolina State University, double majoring in Paper Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biomanufacturing. Camille was treasurer of NCSU’s TAPPI student chapter from August 2020 – August 2021 and is currently an active participant of the organization by volunteering at local elementary schools, giving tours to prospective paper science students, and helping to set up the paper science industry career fair. With a combined 12+ months of work experience in the pulp and paper sector, Camille has worked on both the manufacturing and supplier sides. This exposure has inspired her to push the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive workspace, representative of all identities. Outside of class, Camille enjoys reading, exercising, and gardening.

D’Kayla Thomas
Winner of the Environmental Division Douglas Barton Memorial Scholarship

D’Kayla Thomas is a sophomore at North Carolina State University, majoring in paper science and chemical engineering. She completed a co-op with WestRock in Charleston, SC, where she conducted hands-on projects and lab work in research and development. Outside of the classroom, D’Kayla takes an interest in exercising, traveling, family, and dogs.

Ronald “Iggy” Sehchak
Winner of the Paper and Board Division Scholarship

Iggy Senchak is a senior at North Carolina State University. He is majoring in chemical engineering and paper science and engineering and is pursuing a minor in business administration. Through co-ops and internships, Iggy has been able to gain work experience with multiple companies including WestRock, International Paper and Trinity Manufacturing.

Autum Satterfield
Winner of the Process Control Division Scholarship

Autum Satterfield is a rising senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in chemical engineering and paper science and engineering. During her tenure at NCSU, she has consistently achieved Dean’s List honors, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is an active member of TAPPI and AICHE. Satterfield was an Engineering Village Mentor for the 2019-2020 academic year, and will be a resident advisor for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Autum is currently a mentor for freshmen in the pulp and paper engineering program. She has completed two internships; one with Clearwater Paper in Shelby, NC, as a Quality Engineer, and the other with International Paper in Eastover, SC, as a Process Engineer in the Finished Products Department. She will intern with Corning at their Wilmington, NC, facility this summer. After graduation, Satterfield hopes to enter the workforce as a Process Engineer, and continue in her education by pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, shooting archery, and spending time with family, especially her brother who is a Marine.

Brandon Sanchez
Winner of the Process Control Division Scholarship

Brandon Sanchez completed his junior year at North Carolina State University in the spring of 2021.  While at NCSU, he is completing a double major in paper science and engineering and chemical engineering. In the spring of 2020 Sanchez worked in a Process Control Co-Op placement at WestRock during which he attained LSS Yellow Belt certification for devising acid reduction trials. He will intern with Reynolds American in the summer of 2021.  Sanchez continues to serve on the Executive Board of NCSU’s TAPPI chapter. After graduation, Sanchez hopes to work in process control engineering.

Jarod Pierce
Winner of the Corrugated Division Scholarship

Jarod Pierce is a rising senior at North Carolina State University, pursuing dual majors in paper science and engineering and chemical engineering. Jarod previously served as the co-director of the philanthropy committee on NC State’s Engineers’ Council and is a current TAPPI member. He has gained valuable work experience in an engineering office with Yates Construction, focusing on engineering design within the paper industry, and with WestRock at a paperboard mill in West Point, VA. He will also be working at Evergreen Packaging’s Canton, NC, mill in the summer of 2021 before completing his senior year.

Natalie Laux
Winner of the Corrugated Suppliers Scholarship

Natalie Laux is a rising senior at North Carolina State University, pursuing a degree in paper science and engineering and a minor in business administration. She is a first generation college student and the oldest of four girls in her family. She is excited to graduate next year and hopeful to start her career in the paper industry. Outside of school, Natalie loves playing soccer, cooking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.