Paper Science and Engineering Foundation at Miami University

Many exciting things are happening at the Foundation. Take a moment and check out our Foundation Facts Spring Newsletter!

If you are interested in getting involved with the Foundation or would like to learn more, please feel free to reach out.

Hearing directly from students is what makes Miami PSEF Connect so impactful.

This testimonial highlights the power of building a meaningful, ongoing connection—not just a one-time conversation. From understanding real career paths to gaining confidence before internships, these relationships provide insight you simply can’t get anywhere else.

A few conversations can turn into lasting mentorship, deeper industry understanding, and a stronger start to your career.

Ready to connect? Join the program at the link below! Sign up closes in August.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdX8e4Yp1kXEcUEp2rm_gxdQCBwId5M7uj507ID1cB8lg5mQ/viewform

Today we celebrate the Class of 2026! 🎓

We will miss all of you and wish you the very best as you venture on to the next chapter of your lives. Congratulations, and good luck!

“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” — Nora Ephron

Connect. Learn. Lead.

Miami PSEF Connect links Paper Science students with experience program alumni for personalized career guidance. Students gain career guidance, industry insights, and professional growth. Alumni gain leadership skills, industry connections and the chance to give back. 🙌

This flexible, low time commitment program provides nothing but benefits for both parties. A few hours throughout the year can make the difference in a career. 😄

Sign up for the program using the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdX8e4Yp1kXEcUEp2rm_gxdQCBwId5M7uj507ID1cB8lg5mQ/viewform

The accolades keep coming for Dr. Coffin as he receives another award. Dr Coffin was recently spotlighted as a Higher Ed Hero by Insight Into Academia magazine.

Coffin spotlighted by Insight Into Academia CEC professor a Higher Ed Hero, also earned Nicholson Medal from TAPPI earlier this year

✨ Senior Spotlight: Audra Hartman

Audra Hartman is graduating in December 2026 with a Chemical Engineering degree and a Paper Engineering minor from Miami University College of Engineering and Computing. During her time at Miami, Audra gained experience through both industry internships and faculty‑guided research focused on paper and process control.

💬 Favorite internship experience
“Learning about process control and DCS systems and their importance in the paper mill — and exploring Wisconsin with the other interns.”

🛠 Internships & Research
Packaging Corporation of America (Tomahawk, WI) — Process Control Engineering Intern
Paper‑based student research with Dr. Coffin (May 2024 – April 2025)

🏫 Campus involvement: TAPPI, Zeta Rho, Miami Striders Running Club, SWE, MapleRidge CLT

🎓 Favorite professors: Dr. Dewan and Dr. Coffin

💭 What she’ll miss the most: Hanging out with friends and the campus and uptown atmosphere

Audra will be interning with Packaging Corporation of America in Massillon, OH as a Process Control Engineer in Summer 2026 and hopes to work in process control engineering at a paper mill after graduation 🎉
Congratulations, Audra — we’re excited to see what’s ahead! 👏🎓

✨ Senior Spotlight: Rebecca Schiavone

Rebecca Schiavone is graduating in May 2026 with a Chemical Engineering degree and a Paper Engineering minor from Miami University College of Engineering and Computing. During her time at Miami, Rebecca completed internships in both operations and product development, allowing her to explore different career paths within the industry.

💬 Favorite internship experience
“Getting the chance to explore and learn about different career paths in the industry.”

🛠 Internships
Avery Dennison (Painesville, OH) — Operations Intern
Georgia‑Pacific (Neenah, WI) — Product Development Intern

🏫 Campus involvement: TAPPI (Secretary), Tau Beta Pi, Miami Foodie Club, Head Math Supplemental Instructor

🍽 Favorite place to eat in Oxford: Brick House or Little India

💭 What she’ll miss the most: The community of support built over the last four years

After graduation, Rebecca will be joining Georgia‑Pacific in Neenah, WI as a Product Development Engineer 🎉
Congratulations, Rebecca — best of luck in your next chapter! 👏🎓

Congratulations, Dr. Doug Coffin! After his Tappi Fellow induction, he then received the TAPPI Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award! He is supported here by his colleague, Dr. Steve Keller!

✨ Senior Spotlight: Avery Hendl ✨

Avery Hendl is graduating in May 2026 with a Mechanical Engineering degree and a Paper Engineering minor from Miami University College of Engineering and Computing. During her time at Miami, Avery completed internships across manufacturing, R&D, and corporate operations, gaining a broad view of the paper and materials industry.

💬 Favorite internship experience
“Having the opportunity to learn many different things. I was able to pursue my interests and curiosities beyond my projects, and those ‘side quests’ helped me realize I wanted to pursue a sales role post‑grad.”

🛠 Internships
International Paper (Franklin, VA) — EHS Intern
Georgia‑Pacific (Neenah, WI) — Platform Engineering Intern
Avery Dennison (Mentor, OH) — Supply Chain Intern (Transportation & Financial Analysis)

🏫 Campus involvement: Engineers Without Borders, Theta Tau, Student TAPPI (Treasurer), EWB‑Miami (Treasurer, President, Local Outreach Chair)

🎓 Favorite professor: Dr. Keller

💭 What she’ll miss the most: Walkability to local restaurants and trails around Oxford

After graduation, Avery will be working full‑time as a remote Sales Trainee in Clearwater Paper Corporation’s Sales Development Associate Program 🎉

Congratulations, Avery — we can’t wait to see where your curiosity takes you! 👏🎓