AF&PA Talks Sustainability With Award-Winning Young Innovators The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) took a moment to talk with the winners the 2022-23 U.S. Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award about what sus- tainability means to them, why STEM careers are import- ant, and what forest product industry innovations they’re excited about.
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Sneha Seetharama Lindsey Clifton
Qiang Fu
Sharing their thoughts on sustainability, STEM careers and exciting innovations in the industry are the award win- ners: Sneha Seetharama, Process Engineer, International Paper; Lindsey Clifton, Senior Research and Development Engineer at Domtar; and Qiang Fu, PhD student in Chemi- cal & Biomolecular Engineering, Paper, Science and Engi- neering Fellow, Renewable Bioproducts Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology. What led you to work in the forest products industry? SEETHARAMA: After college, I knew I wanted to work in an environment that encouraged creativity in the techni- cal field that would have a practical and beneficial impact in my community. My current role meets both! I have the chance to explore new ideas and create products that are not only sustainable but are a necessity for people every day. What do you do? What’s a normal day like? CLIFTON: I work in Research and Development in the man- ufacturing group. I develop innovative technologies that will reduce costs of the manufacturing process, improve product quality, and can also lead to new product devel- opment in our mills. My work is collaborative with research consortiums, universities, and manufacturing resources. How did you learn about the Blue Sky Young Research- ers Innovation Award? QIANG FU: Two graduate students from our institute, Chin- may Satam and Udita Ringania, received Blue Sky Innova- tion Awards for their work before. I believe my innovation can open up new opportunities to improve the sustainabil- ity of the forest products industry. What does sustainability mean to you? QIANG FU: Sustainability is not a destination, but a jour- ney. We need to take a long-term perspective and continu- ously strive to improve the manufacturing process and find innovative solutions to the challenges we face. CLIFTON: Sustainability for the forest products industry should be viewed as more than just an environmental im- CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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June 5, 2023
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