USM Polymer and Engineering Ranked Among Top U.S. Polymer/Plastics Engineering University Programs
Tue,
12/20/2022 – 10:59am | By: Ivonne Kawas
The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Faculty of Polymer Science and Engineering
(SPSE) has been named one of the very best polymer/plastics engineering systems by Plastics
Right now. The ABET-accredited application is housed in just the Thames Polymer Science Exploration
Middle on the Hattiesburg campus.
USM is amongst 6 university packages recognized in this prestigious plastics sector
publication. Above the earlier 52 many years, USM has established by itself as a person of the premier educational facilities
of polymer science and engineering in the world and has been planning graduates to
safe work in the market. Specifically, coatings are a essential section of the
system, with devoted coursework, scholarships, and job placement in the coatings
industry.
“This position confirms what we know to be the circumstance at Southern Skip, particularly that our
School of Polymer Science and Engineering has been and carries on to be effectively in advance
of the curve in making ready our graduates for the industries of right now and the potential,”
stated Dr. Chris Winstead, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. “The plastics sector
is a crucial and strategic component of our financial system, with manufacturing and environmental
advancements staying enabled by the developments of Southern Pass up researchers.”
In accordance to a 2022 report by the Plastics Field Association, the plastics field
ranked as the sixth most significant in the U.S. in 2020, creating it a superior-spending in-demand from customers
and appealing vocation route for long run plastics engineers however, owing to the worries
and boundaries in the business, graduates will need to have to be really qualified in electronic
production.
SPSE Assistant Director Bret Calhoun observed that USM has been ahead of the Field
4. era curve for many years by means of a curriculum that focuses on all those sought-immediately after expertise.
“Our curriculum prepares students for innovative production and sustainability,”
reported Calhoun. “High-throughput formulation making use of robotics was launched to our learners
nearly two many years ago learners at all stages engage with making use of 3D printing on
quite a few fronts, which include prototyping for senior design and style jobs and advancement of new
resins for printers.”
Moreover, Calhoun highlighted that commitments to sustainability and innovation
are essential for addressing the obstacles and worries to plastics recycling and for making
a round economic system.
“Sustainability is a study thrust in the college, such as progress of new elements
from biobased feedstocks, polymer degradation, recycling of traditional plastics,
and environmental remediation utilizing separation membranes,” mentioned Calhoun.
Dr. Derek Patton, Director of the SPSE further more observed, “Sustainability of plastics
is a forefront situation for lots of industrial sectors that is remaining pushed by expanding
shopper recognition. Whilst the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” however applies, a thorough
solution to plastics sustainability needs innovation in various areas, such as
how plastics are synthesized, processed, and reprocessed,” he extra. “For example,
there is a escalating demand for the progress of natural environment-helpful setting up blocks
for plastics that fulfill or exceed the efficiency of petroleum-centered products although
also furnishing alternatives to shut the loop by way of recovery of these making blocks
at the close-of-use.”
“These issues deliver spots where academic study can lead to true societal
impacts,” he extra. “Whether in the classroom or by way of fingers-on investigation, SPSE school
are committed to building the upcoming technology of polymer scientists and engineers
that method difficulties with sustainable procedures in mind.”
Additionally, SPSE is regarded for making an effect in the sector by bringing alongside one another
tutorial and industrial students from throughout the globe for its Once-a-year Worldwide
Waterborne Symposium.
“This pre-eminent academic and specialized discussion board showcases new and impressive technologies
and retains students abreast of breakthrough discoveries,” explained Dr. Patton.
What does the journey as a polymer science and engineering college student look like? Undergraduate
college students at Southern Pass up are expected to participate in college-led investigation groups
during their time in faculty, with many beginning to get encounter in a investigation-and-style and design
ecosystem as early as their freshman yr.
All through their sophomore 12 months, college students start gaining a wide point of view of the character
of investigate and style and design, as they participate in laboratory rotations. During their
senior year, college students take part in a senior design job. College students also perform
sponsored, genuine-entire world study initiatives under the course of a college mentor and
typically a graduate college student or postdoctoral mentor, as effectively. Jobs are sponsored
as a result of grants and awards from entities these types of as the Nationwide Science Basis, Department
of Defense, and many industrial companions.
Understand far more about the College of Polymer Science and Engineering at USM.
