by: Maya Ali, PSE/ChE ’28

Over the summer, I was a part of the Technical Team at Sappi, working primarily with Paper Machine 1 (PM1), one of the mill’s three paper machines. My main role has been to support both the technical team and the PM1 team by identifying opportunities to improve the machine’s performance and help with the overall efficiency of the paper mill. Throughout the internship, I worked closely on the sewers and quality lab team to reduce fiber and ash losses while improving the laboratory testing methods used to produce higher-quality paper. I have also spent time in the customer complaints department, where I learned how to analyze issues with our products, investigate their root causes, and helped to develop solutions to improve customer satisfaction.

One of the most interesting aspects of this experience has been the variety of work I have been able to do. Before starting, I expected to spend most of my time in an office or laboratory running tests. However, I have had the opportunity to work in many different environments around the mill. I collaborated with engineers, lab techs, and machine operators on the production floor to better understand the paper-making process and identify ways to help improve operations. Seeing how every department contributes to the final product has given me a much broader perspective on manufacturing than I anticipated.

Something I enjoyed most about my internship experience is having the opportunity to work with customer complaints while also being involved with the paper machine. This combination has allowed me to see the complete journey of the product, from the manufacturing process to the finished paper used by customers. Having the ability to understand how our products are ultimately used and connecting customer feedback to the production process has made problem-solving very rewarding. It has also shown me how small process improvements can have a meaningful impact on product quality and customer satisfaction.

The biggest lesson I will take away from this experience is the importance of asking questions and being willing to learn from everyone around me. Some of my most valuable learning opportunities came from talking with operators, engineers, lab techs, and other employees who each offered unique knowledge and perspectives. By staying curious, exploring beyond my assigned tasks, and seeking out new learning opportunities, I have gained a much deeper understanding of paper science engineering and have become more confident in my ability to contribute to the technical team.”