The Sustainability Co-Op is designed to provide Capstone research experience for MS students or enhance the educational experience of PhD students through full-time employment.

MS or PhD students requiring additional time to complete their thesis

Research in fulfillment of Sustainability Ph.D. dissertation or M.S. capstone requirements.

Research fulfillment of Sustainability Ph.D. dissertation requirements.

The course develops knowledge and skills in applying computer software packages for packaging design using Artios CAD and Adobe Illustrator. Topics covered include designing from standards, drawing, animation, coloring, and painting. Priority is placed on designing a standard paperboard carton with appropriate structural integrity and well-executed artwork.

The study of polymer packaging materials from extraction through conversion and production, physical and chemical properties and uses. Emphasis is on plastics used in packaging and other component materials. Recognized standard testing procedures are presented and students gain practical experience in the operation of various testing instruments, interpretation of results, and evaluation of properties and performance characteristics.

Consumer-facing packages are complex structures that need to fulfill multiple criteria, including visual appeal, informational content, and regulatory compliance, while simultaneously meeting functional requirements and sustainability goals. This course provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in packaging design, focusing on both structural and graphical elements. Students will learn the fundamentals of engineering design graphics, technical sketching, project planning, design matrices, and rapid prototyping. Emphasis is placed on using industry-standard software tools, including those for graphic design and artwork preparation together with structural design including 3D structural design and folding carton development. Key topics include working with vector graphics, color management, layering and typography tools, die-line creation, and solid, surface, and parametric 3D modeling, through hands-on projects, students will develop packaging concepts from initial ideas to fully realized prototypes, culminating in the creation of packages and prototypes that integrate proper structural integrity and effective visual design. Emphasis is placed on meeting brand owner and consumer expectations.

The Packaging Science Thesis course provides an opportunity for students to integrate and demonstrate knowledge from previous coursework and professional experiences into comprehensive, book-length empirical research resulting in a written deliverable in APA style. The thesis extends theory into practice. The proposed topic, as represented by a formal research proposal, must be approved by the course instructor before enrollment in the course. In addition to the written thesis document, other requirements include a research poster and public presentation, together with the Thesis requirements of the Institute. Students are required to work independently and meet with their advisor at least every other week throughout the term.

Continuation of Thesis. It is expected that students will defend their thesis by the conclusion of the semester.

The Packaging Science Capstone course enables students to integrate knowledge from previous coursework and professional experiences into a comprehensive empirical project resulting in a written deliverable in APA style representing meaningful, empirical research relevant to packaging science. The proposed topic, as represented by a formal research proposal, must be approved by the course instructor before enrollment in the course. Students are required to meet with their advisor at least every other week throughout the term.

Continuation of Capstone. It is expected that students will defend their capstone by the conclusion of the semester.