The University of Cincinnati’s College of En­gineering and Applied Science (CEAS) is organized around seven schools, six of which grant baccalaureate, masters and Ph.D. degrees in a range of engineering and technology fields and feature mandatory cooperative education requirements that often include opportunities in the packaging industry.

“We’re here to produce world class engineers and technologists, superb problem solvers, the next wave of entrepreneurs, and the academic and policy leaders of the future for our students,” said Janak Dave, Professor, University of Cincinnati. “The mission for CEAS is to provide excellence in education, research, scholarship and opportuni­ties.”

One of the ways the school is able to draw such enterprising students is through its ACCEND (ACCelerated ENgineering Degree) program, which allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Sci­ence and a Master of Science or MBA in 5 years while participating in cooperative education. The school also offers a Master of Engineering degree for students who are interested in the practice of engineering, but have no interest in conducting research.

The school’s partnership with PMMI provides scholarship funds for the school and also gives the school the chance to get a first-hand look at the packaging and processing industries at PACK EXPO, where students often participate in competitive events.

“PMMI helps about a dozen students visit PACK EXPO every time it comes to Chicago,” added Dave. “Some of the students have commented that the trip to the show is one of the best learning experiences they get during their time at the university.”

The CEAS program maintains a strong connection to the local packaging industry, and dozens of the school’s graduates have found a home in packaging and processing through careers at PMMI member companies  OYSTAR North America (whose OYSTAR Jones division is a PMMI member) and Intelligrated Inc.