STEVENS POINT, Wisconsin -- The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Paper Science Foundation was organized in 1974 by the Paper Science Department Staff, along with industrial and business leaders.
The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point's Paper Science and Engineering program is committed to preparing students for successful technical careers in the pulp, paper and allied industries. This mission is accomplished by promoting excellence in instruction, undergraduate research opportunities, industrial internships, and involvement in professional organizations.
"Our enrollment continues to grow," said Dr. Karyn Biasca, Professor, Chair and ABET Liaison at the UWSP Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department. "We are developing a graduate-level certificate in Process Control Engineering and anticipate launching it this fall semester. We will celebrate the achievements of our outstanding students at our Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Scholarship Banquet on October 8, 2025. We will also have our annual golf outing on September 15, and Career Fair on September 22. Those interested in these events can email engineering@uwsp.edu to learn more."
Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Troy Knutson, a junior in the program, and we asked him a few questions about his experiences at UWSP.
What attracted you to the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering program?
At UW-Stevens Point we are fortunate in our proximity to pulp, paper, and converting facilities which attracted me to the program as there are plenty of nearby employment opportunities along with a wide-ranging alumni network. Another aspect was the pilot paper machine where we get hands-on experience and apply classroom learning to industry practices. Our professors and staff also do a fantastic job in assisting our learning and allowing us to develop as young professionals.
Were you looking into pulp and paper when you were in high school?
No, like many high schoolers I was unaware of the pulp and paper industry opportunities and did not learn more about them until committing to UWSP. I originally picked UWSP for the chemical engineering program as I was always good with math and science growing up and I was recruited to play baseball for the university. After I committed, I learned about our Paper Science Foundation scholarships and the employment opportunities in the pulp and paper industry, so I committed to the dual-major and have enjoyed every part of it.
Tell us about the internships and/or co-ops you have had.
The summer after my freshman year I interned as a process engineer with Liberty Paper Inc. in Becker, Minnesota. With this experience I was introduced to the paper industry and got to work on projects relating to stock preparation, paper machine operation, wastewater treatment, and more. The next summer I worked with Solenis in the Stevens Point area as a technical sales intern where I was introduced to the chemical vendor side of the industry. In this role, I got to work with several mills on projects relating to wet strength, dyes, biocide, and many other chemical applications used in papermaking. This upcoming summer I look forward to returning with Solenis as an intern but in the Lewiston, Idaho area.
What does this program mean to you?
To me, this program is the perfect preparation for a career in the pulp and paper or chemical manufacturing field. I think this program introduces and develops all of the skills needed to be a successful engineer.
Where do you see yourself in five and 10 years, and what are your career aspirations?
I hope to see myself in a process engineering or account manager role in the near future as I enjoy working with others to provide solutions to complex engineering problems in the papermaking process. I am not set on a path after that, but I look forward to the opportunities that present themselves.
What would you recommend to anyone who might be interested in getting into pulp and paper?
I strongly suggest getting into pulp and paper as there are plenty of opportunities and I have enjoyed all of my experiences with the industry. It is a close-knit community that has been around for a long time and will continue to be around for even longer.
Please let us know of anything else of interest about your experiences in the program.
This past year I served as our TAPPI Student Chapter President, and I encourage students and alumni to get involved with their student organizations so that a community and network is formed.
Please tell us what year you are in the program, your hometown, and anything interesting you might do in your free time.
I am a junior in the UW-Stevens Point Paper Science and Chemical Engineering program and I am from Holmen, Wisconsin. In my free time I enjoy playing and watching sports, particularly football, basketball, and baseball as well as hunting.
