Science & Outdoors
The paper machine operated by Aaron Stieve and Tom Roltgen
Paper science and engineering department worthy of world-renowned paper machine
The Pointer
kbeck271@uwsp.edu
In today’s struggling economy, there is one career that’s looking as good as ever: paper science and engineering.
At the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, this small major boasts amazing graduate placement rates and one of the university’s largest machines. Measuring 70 feet long and 2 feet wide, the on-campus paper machine can produce up to 200 feet of paper per minute. Having such a machine on campus gives PSE students the opportunity for hours of hands-on experience.
According to lab manager Kelly Klaas, since its introduction in 1997, the paper machine “has been an integral part of the entire paper science curriculum.” Senior Steve Schlosser agrees, saying, “You’re learning the basics and then some on this machine and the classes revolve their studies around that.” This has given him more confidence in his ability as a papermaker. During a typical semester, the machine is run for an average of 2-10 hours per week, giving future engineers of all levels hands-on experience producing paper that is sold in the University Store and donated to local organizations such as the Stevens Point school district and the Helen Godfrey Center.
Not only do students gain invaluable experience, but paper companies benefit as well by contracting with the university to do pilot trials. Corporations aren’t the only ones taking notice of the UWSP machine, however. The Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry recently ranked the apparatus as the fastest and widest student-run paper machine in the world, based on criteria including speed, width and other papermaking capabilities.
Even more recently, the UWSP paper science and engineering program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. This means that UWSP joins the ranks of other UW schools with engineering degrees including UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Stout and UW-Platteville.
There is other good news for PSE students. The department has boasted a near perfect job placement rate for the last 37 years. The average salary for last year’s graduates was $65,000. “We don’t have enough students to meet the demand for our students,” said Dr. Gerry Ring, Chair of the Department of Paper Science and Engineering.
This is good news for UWSP, the paper industry and undecided students interested in math, physics and chemistry. Jay Kelly, senior, says of the program, “It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s also a lot of fun, too.” Kelly, a once undecided student, encourages other students interested in science to consider a major in PSE.
