School of Packaging Funding Priorities

Endowed Packaging ChairAn endowed chair would bring us new and expanded expertise that would positively impact our teaching and research programs. This individual would help mentor younger faculty, and help to lead development of the programs needed five and ten years from now. This individual would help us respond more effectively to critical packaging issues.

Analytical laboratoryAs our doctoral program has grown, so, too, has the need for higher-level analytical instrumentation. Our facility is capable of performing a wide variety of analytical measurements, increasing our ability to respond to a broad demand for services. To maintain this reputation requires substantial maintenance and purchase of new technology.

Shock and vibration laboratoryMeasurement of physical inputs remains critical to the integrity of products and packages. Improved technology will allow us to more closely simulate real world situations. New technology will allow us to expand our efforts into new areas of package design.

Operations laboratoryNew equipment and control systems are needed to make the laboratory a more effective learning environment for students. Upgraded technology will create opportunities for research and for proprietary use by companies.

Endowed graduate fellowships Graduate students are an integral part of our research team. In industry, they often have substantial responsibility in packaging research and development. Graduate fellowship endowments will increase our ability to compete for the best students.

Medical packaging laboratoriesMedical packaging is an expanding area of importance in the School. Recently, the University provided the funding for a new faculty position in the area of medical packaging. The School has also designated a laboratory specifically for medical packaging research. Need for laboratory equipment and instrumentation will help us do "state of the art" research.

Teaching laboratoriesThe School has made a major commitment to maintain its teaching laboratories for student use. In the near future, much of the present equipment/instrumentation will need replacement. In addition, it is important for students to have access to new technology through new instrumental approaches.

Pilot plastics processing laboratoryThe plastics processing facility will be heavily used in classroom teaching and on student research projects. When completed, we will have the capability to extrude and/or form almost any type of plastic container. It will also be made available for companies to use.

Computer laboratoriesThe School maintains two computer laboratories for use by students in several different classes. Hardware and software needs are substantial. New monies would also allow us to expand more into 3D design and simulation modeling.