Article1 min read Feb 10, 2026Charting Tomorrow: Recruit the Next Generation of Industry LeadersThe 19th Annual TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit takes place January 17-19, 2026, in Birmingham, AL, bringing together over 200 engineering students from across the forest products industry. This premier networking event offers young professionals and students unique opportunities to connect with industry leaders, participate in interviews with top companies, and build essential career connections. Led by student chapter presidents including Auburn's Michael Reuss, the summit provides hands-on leadership experience and professional development beyond traditional career fairs. Students gain access to mentorship opportunities, technical skill development, and direct pathways into pulp, paper, packaging, and converting industries through this exclusive industry gathering.
Video00:01:21 Jan 28, 20262026 TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit RecapA recap of the 2025 TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit event!
Article1 min read Oct 2, 2025Back on CampusStudent leaders balance classes, outreach, and Summit prep.
Article1 min read Aug 7, 2025Charting Tomorrow: Recruit the Next Generation of Industry LeadersBecome a 2026 TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit Sponsor and Connect with NextGen Talent
Podcast00:42:44 Apr 2, 2025Better Together: Live @ 2025 Student Summit - Ep. 1 "Papermaking is a Miracle"Join TAPPI's 2025 Student Summit podcast featuring paper engineering students and Dr. Med Bird from NC State discussing career opportunities in pulp and paper manufacturing. Students share interview experiences, networking insights, and industry connections made at this premier career event. Dr. Bird explains how paper engineering graduates hit the ground running compared to chemical engineers, contributing from day one with specialized knowledge of fiber processing, biomass conversion, and sustainable manufacturing. Learn about emerging opportunities in biopolymers, molded fiber packaging, and plastic replacement technologies that position paper industry professionals to save the planet through innovative cellulose applications.
Article1 min read Feb 20, 2025Recruit the Next Generation of LeadersThis year’s annual TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit attracted more than 200 pulp and paper students
Podcast00:34:48 Dec 4, 2024Better Together: Supporting Pulp & Paper Sciences Students, Naomi Gehling of Auburn UniversityAuburn University's Naomi Galen shares essential strategies for supporting young professionals entering the pulp and paper industry. Learn how companies can streamline job contract processes, provide meaningful peer mentoring, and create clear career advancement pathways that attract engineering talent. Discover proven approaches for onboarding new graduates, from simplified contract summaries to flexible decision timelines. This episode delivers actionable insights on building industry connections, leveraging student programs like TAPPI's Student Summit, and communicating sustainability innovations that resonate with tech-savvy graduates seeking impactful careers in renewable forest products manufacturing.
Article1 min read May 8, 2024Travels with Larry: 2024 Student SummitEvery January for the past 17 years, my batteries are recharged at the TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit.
Podcast00:35:28 Dec 15, 2020Better Together: TAPPI Students LeadersJoin TAPPI student leaders Leah from University of Maine and Andrew from NC State as they share their experiences navigating chemical engineering and paper science programs during the pandemic. This Better Together podcast episode explores virtual learning challenges, hands-on lab adaptations, co-op opportunities, and career aspirations in the essential pulp and paper industry. Young professionals will gain insights into TAPPI student chapter involvement, networking strategies, environmental sustainability in manufacturing, and emerging research areas like nanocellulose and Industry 4.0. Perfect for students and early-career professionals seeking mentorship connections and understanding industry career paths in this resilient, technology-driven field.
