PSE Students at the Peak of Eagle RockNahuelbuta National Park, Chile
From May 11-22, 11 students and three faculty from PSE traveled to Chile as part of the second iteration of the Paper International Experience (PIE) program. In 2007, PIE sent 22 students to China for 10 days.
The goal of PIE is straightforward -- to increase the global awareness of PSE students by exposing them to the culture and the paper industry of another country. It is hoped that more globally-aware students can help the US industry compete more effectively in the global market.
The trip, based in Concepcion, was a smashing success. Students were able to tour an amazing array of different technical venues, including:
> The University of Concepcion (Biotechnology Center and Forestry)
> The UDT Technology Center (biofuels and biomaterials development)
> Norske Skog, Bio-Bio (pressurized groundwood newsprint mill)
> Celulosa Arauco, Nueva Aldea (modern sawmill and enormous market kraft pulp mill)
> INFORSA, Nacimiento (modern TMP newsprint operation)
> CMPC, Sante Fe (one of the world's newest and largest kraft market pulp mills)
Equally important, the students received good exposure to Chilean culture. They met and interacted with faculty and students from the University of Concepcion. They were able to do extensive exploring, dining and shopping in Concepcion. They visited a Chilean boutique winery. They experienced an amazing hiking visit to the Nahuelbuta National Forest. They went deep down into a coal mine!
What was true for the first trip is 2007 was also true for this one -- the students were able to participate at a very attractive price because of funds raised to subsidize costs. What made this trip even more special was that friends and supporters of the PSE program believed enough in the PIE experience that they still donated funds -- even in the middle of a disastrous economic climate. We are proud that all funds raised for this trip came from individuals and from past company sponsors -- no Foundation funds were used, and no general appeal was issued to the Foundation membership, alumni, or friends.
Our earnest thanks go out to the companies and individuals who supported this worthwhile cause. A formal report is being issued that recognizes all supporters -- it will be available in PDF form in the blog update next quarter.
There is little doubt that the student participants in PIE 2009 will never be the same. It is our hope that they are now poised to be better global citizens and to help the US industry keep a competitive edge.
The goal of PIE is straightforward -- to increase the global awareness of PSE students by exposing them to the culture and the paper industry of another country. It is hoped that more globally-aware students can help the US industry compete more effectively in the global market.
The trip, based in Concepcion, was a smashing success. Students were able to tour an amazing array of different technical venues, including:
> The University of Concepcion (Biotechnology Center and Forestry)
> The UDT Technology Center (biofuels and biomaterials development)
> Norske Skog, Bio-Bio (pressurized groundwood newsprint mill)
> Celulosa Arauco, Nueva Aldea (modern sawmill and enormous market kraft pulp mill)
> INFORSA, Nacimiento (modern TMP newsprint operation)
> CMPC, Sante Fe (one of the world's newest and largest kraft market pulp mills)
Equally important, the students received good exposure to Chilean culture. They met and interacted with faculty and students from the University of Concepcion. They were able to do extensive exploring, dining and shopping in Concepcion. They visited a Chilean boutique winery. They experienced an amazing hiking visit to the Nahuelbuta National Forest. They went deep down into a coal mine!
What was true for the first trip is 2007 was also true for this one -- the students were able to participate at a very attractive price because of funds raised to subsidize costs. What made this trip even more special was that friends and supporters of the PSE program believed enough in the PIE experience that they still donated funds -- even in the middle of a disastrous economic climate. We are proud that all funds raised for this trip came from individuals and from past company sponsors -- no Foundation funds were used, and no general appeal was issued to the Foundation membership, alumni, or friends.
Our earnest thanks go out to the companies and individuals who supported this worthwhile cause. A formal report is being issued that recognizes all supporters -- it will be available in PDF form in the blog update next quarter.
There is little doubt that the student participants in PIE 2009 will never be the same. It is our hope that they are now poised to be better global citizens and to help the US industry keep a competitive edge.
In front of the enormous CMPC Mill at Sante Fe
If you'd like to follow the activities of the students via Dr. Byrd's trip blog, go to
pie-chile-2009.blogspot.com
If you'd like to look at some hilarious mini-movies for each day of the trip, click on each link below:
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day1Movie.wmv http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day2Movie.wmv http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day3Movie.wmv http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day4Movie.wmv http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day5Movie.wmv http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day6Movie.wmv http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day7Movie.wmv http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day8Movie.wmv http://www4.ncsu.edu/~medbyrd/Videos/PIE2009Day9Movie.wmv
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