Grace Amell’s path to Chemical and Paper Engineering at Miami University was an unanticipated one, yet it was one that led to academic resources, career opportunities, and an exceptional support group.

Although she originally started as a Biomedical Engineering major, she quickly changed her area of study after experiencing specialized chemistry classes. 

“The Paper program people [from the Paper Science & Engineering Foundation] came in and introduced themselves to one of my introductory classes, and I was like, ‘That sounds really cool,’” Amell said. “It's very materials engineering-esque. I thought that was really interesting, so I went ahead and switched my major to Chemical Engineering because it was compatible with Paper, and then just went from there.”

With this change, Amell began to grow a passion for chemical and paper engineering, recognizing the purpose and satisfaction it gave her. 

“It's so fun for me to have tangible results, to see a real impact from the things I'm learning,” she said. “I could go out in May and have a job immediately where the things I'm doing I feel really passionate about, and I can see the impact they're making on people's lives.” 

Amell’s area of study wasn’t the only unexpected thing about her college experience. Deciding to study at Miami was a surprise within itself for her. Being from Minnesota, coming to Oxford, Ohio, was a big leap. She first visited with a family friend who was studying at Miami and fell in love with the small town atmosphere. 

Not only did Miami and the College of Engineering and Computing fit her general preferences, they also allowed her the ideal mix of academics, career preparation, and socialization. 

“I think Miami is the perfect blend of work hard, play hard,” Amell said. 

Engineering programs are known for their heavy workload and high intensity, but Amell’s experience with Chemical and Paper Engineering has given her the opportunity to grow as a student, learn life lessons, and enjoy her time on campus.

“It's definitely a little bit trickier to find that work-life balance when you're in an engineering curriculum. The classes tend to be pretty hefty, and you have to spend a lot of time to get to know the material, but it's taught me a lot about prioritizing things that are important,” she said. “I think it's very comparable to the real world and life post-grad, when you have a family and a job and all of these different conflicting things. So I think it's really prepared me for that.”

With the aid of this preparation, Miami has had a direct involvement in the development of her career prospects. Through Grace's involvement with the Paper Science & Engineering Foundation and the Foundation's annual Pre-Night Networking Event, she has found internships and full-time employment through Foundation member companies.

“I think Miami and the Paper program specifically put a really big emphasis on career readiness and like ‘Okay, you're in college and you're getting your degree, but then what?’ And I think that's a huge issue with the job pool and kids graduating college today,” she said. 

Combating this issue, Amell noted the career readiness workshops the Paper Science & Engineering Foundation (PS&E) and Miami as a whole holds, allowing students the opportunity to learn how to interview, create resumes and cover letters, and master networking.

She also mentioned the professionals who are brought into engineering classes and clubs. 

“We'll bring industry speakers into that and get [students] to mesh with people that they might be working with in the future. And it just helps build those connections so you don't graduate in May and you're like, ‘What do I do now?’”

Her program and life at Miami allowed her the resources of peers, professors, student organizations, and leadership and professional development while still providing the opportunity to enjoy her time at college. 

Part of this was through Kappa Kappa Gamma, the social sorority Amell is a member of, which gave her a place to connect to new people. Along with this, Amell is a part of the Society of Women Engineers and is the president of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), an organization for students with one of two Paper Engineering-related minors at Miami (Paper Engineering or Paper Science).

Being heavily involved in the Paper program on campus, Amell is often found in the Pilot Paper Lab, a small-sized, full-scale paper machine that emulates the instruments found in industrial facilities. Having this easily accessible resource on campus helps prepare students for success in their future careers. 

“To really poke around in a miniature version of it, and develop an understanding of what's actually going on before you get thrown into the deep end in an internship is really unique to Miami. As a Paper student, you couldn't just go to any university and have that resource,” Amell said.

Not only has the Paper program at Miami allowed her access to numerous academic and career resources, but it has also given her the opportunity to develop deep relationships with her peers.

“Paper, especially, is such a tight knit group of people,” Amell said. “I've had classes with these [students] since sophomore year. They really are some of my best friends.”

Having people to learn with and lean on enriched Amell’s educational experience, providing her with a support group of peers who work together seamlessly. 

Amell’s college and educational experience, although unexpected, was fundamental in her growth, providing her with resources and connections, all while preparing her for her future endeavors.