Chemical engineering student finds her passion, career at UW-Stevens Point
When she graduates
May 19, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student Farrah Scears will begin
a career in a high-demand field in which only 23 percent are women.
As a chemical engineer, she will
work as a chemical vendor for Buckman Laboratories of Charlotte, North Carolina,
specializing in tissue manufacturing. Double majoring in
chemical engineering and paper science and engineering at UW-Stevens Point gave her the advantage of
a broad-based academic background, and working on the campus’ paper machine
gave her first-hand experiences.
“I really do love paper,” she said.
“I’m fortunate to have found my passion so young.”
According to UW-Stevens Point Professor Karyn
Biasca, the growing field of chemical engineering has 100 percent placement for
UW-Stevens Point graduates, as does paper science and engineering. Those who major
in both take many of the same core courses then have a specialized senior
design course for each major. Chemical engineering has been offered at the
university since January 2016.
While paper science and engineering is a
specialized field, chemical engineering is more broad based and focuses on the
processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, Biasca said. In both fields,
these engineers help choose a product’s makeup and design process, creating
products that package food to keep it from spoiling, keep powders from clumping
or make paper towels more absorbent.
“They are basically problem solvers,” Biasca
said. “They find ways to optimize the manufacturing process to become more
efficient, less expensive and more sustainable to create a valuable product
while increasing the profit margin.”
Scears has always loved chemistry and
learning what everything was made of, she said. A native of Michigan, her
academic journey started at Kellogg Community College then she went to Western
Michigan University in Kalamazoo.
While interning at Kimberly Clark in Appleton,
she met a UW-Stevens Point student, who told her about the school’s smaller
classes and more personalized program. After speaking with Biasca and visiting
the campus, she decided to transfer.
“I fit in at UW-Stevens Point so well,” she
said. “The focus on sustainability, the genuine people – I felt so at home
here.”
In Biasca, Scears found a mentor who helped
her transfer credits, drove her to classes when she broke her leg at the
beginning of the semester, and worked closely with her as she made decisions
about her career choices.
“What she saw in me was more than I saw in
myself,” said Scears. “I’m happy with who I am because of what I learned at
UW-Stevens Point.”
“Her presence has made a tremendous
difference for the programs,” said Biasca. “Farrah has consistently been among
the first students to step up and volunteer to help or participate in any
activity. The sky’s the limit for this young woman.”
In just two years on campus, Scears formed a
chapter of the
Society of Women Engineers at UW-Stevens Point, and worked for
the
Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST). She was a member of
the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and the
American Institute for Chemical Engineers (AIChE).
She earned high honors, the Outstanding
Chemical Engineering and Paper Science and Engineering Award, the Chancellor’s
Leadership Award and the Albertson Medallion, the university’s highest student
honor.
Both Biasca and Scears say there is a long-term
need for chemical engineers. Students interested in math and science, as well
as machines, gadgets and chemistry may enjoy chemical engineering. At UW-Stevens
Point, they can expect hands-on learning, personal attention and several
internship experiences.
“Chemical engineering is a great field,” Scears
said. “It gives you a big responsibility and is very rewarding. It is the best
feeling knowing you are making the world a better place -- even if it is
through better toilet paper.”