Paper Science Program Offers Path to Purpose-Driven Career for Elena Zuidema

Elena Zuidema is a junior pursuing a dual degree in paper science and engineering and chemical engineering at NC State. She is a member of the Caldwell Fellows program and a recipient of the Pulp and Paper Foundation Scholarship.

Zuidema currently serves as the fundraising chair for the NC State student chapter of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. She also works as a group tutor for the Academic Success Center.

In addition to her on-campus responsibilities, Zuidema volunteers weekly at the Open Door Clinic in Raleigh. The health care facility provides services at low charge to uninsured, low-income residents of Wake County.

We recently asked Zuidema about her academic journey at NC State and her goals for the future. Check out the Q&A below to learn more. 

Why did you choose to study paper science and engineering?

I chose to study paper science and engineering because the major perfectly blends my love for problem solving and sustainability. I knew that I wanted to go into engineering, but I wanted to be sure that I did so in a way that was not harmful to the environment and involved renewable resources. Manufacturing is notoriously harmful in terms of environmental impact; so, because product production is so interesting to me, I wanted to make sure I made a responsible decision for the future of our climate.

Outside of the interesting academics, the Paper Science and Engineering program just made sense for me. The program is tight-knit and supportive of all of its students’ endeavors. My classes are small, and I always see a familiar face anytime I go into the building. There are ample scholarships and internship/job opportunities available for paper science majors. I am able to double major in chemical engineering with just one added semester of work to open myself up to careers outside the paper industry as well. Being involved in paper science has transformed my college experience, and I am very pleased with my decision to join.

What is your favorite memory or class from your time at NC State?

My favorite class from my time at NC State so far has been my sophomore seminar for the Caldwell Fellows. Because I have two engineering majors, it is not often that I get a break from STEM topics. So, I really enjoyed taking a class that was out of my comfort zone and allowed me to learn a lot about topics I do not see often in class.

The overall theme of the course was the exploration of our personal leadership philosophies. So, throughout the semester, we dove into many topics, such as social justice, cultural competency, emotional intelligence and more, to help establish our beliefs and values. The final assignment was to write a personal philosophy, and being able to see a semester’s worth of personal growth on paper was very rewarding.

What are your career goals?

My career goal as of now is to go into process engineering, particularly in a sector of a mill or plant where I can work on sustainability or water-reduction projects. While I am not sure yet where this may be, I know I want to get hands-on experience for some time to learn in depth the industry I choose to settle down in. From there, I hope to either go into management or become a sustainability specialist.

I want to be able to put my servant leadership training into practice in an industry I care for and am passionate about. I have always enjoyed teaching or tutoring positions. So, my ideal position would be in a role where I can manage or assist incoming engineers while they are just getting their foot in the door, or work with pre-established mills to educate them on sustainability options. But, at the end of the day, you never know where life will take you. I am very open to whatever opportunities come my way, and not too set on a certain career path.

How has the College of Natural Resources prepared you for your future?

The College of Natural Resources has prepared me well for my future. The college provides so many avenues for students to get involved in their major, both inside and outside of the community. I feel that because I chose to be in the college, I have a support system in the faculty that some of my peers in other colleges do not. I feel well-equipped with the resources I need to be successful, and I am very grateful to be in a college like the College of Natural Resources.

What advice would you give to students entering your major?

The advice I would give to students entering the dual-degree program is to get involved, take advantage of the opportunities presented and to not be afraid to take risks. Getting involved in TAPPI and participating in a lot of paper science and engineering/chemical engineering events greatly helped me transition to college life. Not only did it help me make friends, but also I got to meet and interact with the faculty.

Also, TAPPI offers a lot of events that are fun and easy to participate in. During your first semester, you will likely get hit with job offers and summer opportunities within your first few weeks in the program. It’s exciting but a little anxiety-inducing so soon into the school year. However, I suggest you take the opportunity to push yourself and take the risk to go move and work somewhere. It is the best way to learn if you enjoy the industry, and you learn a lot about yourself and how your life may look in four years. The Paper Science and Engineering program will provide you with many opportunities, so do not be afraid to take advantage of them.

Tell us about something you are passionate about outside of your academic studies.

Outside of academics, I enjoy being involved in student organizations where I can do event planning. Events bring people together. They form connections and communities, and I love getting involved in avenues where I can utilize my organizational skills. It is a great way to use creativity and problem-solving skills, and when your project is complete, you get to see all the hard work come to fruition as the event occurs. Being involved in TAPPI and Caldwell has provided me with many event-planning opportunities, and I can’t wait to see what all I get involved with during the rest of my college career.