Paper has been on our minds at WIST - welcoming a new laboratory specialist in paper testing and development, preparing for participation at PaperCon 2013, launching a new art paper, and even creating a special paper that included pulp from donated military uniforms.

 

You can jump to any of the stories in this issue using the index links at left, or simply scroll down to read them.

 

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

 

Paul Fowler

Executive Director

Chris Szymonski

WIST welcomes Chris Szymonski as the new paper machine and allied laboratory specialist at WIST. Szymonski has more than 20 years of experience in process and project engineering at tissue and paper mills, and at personal-products manufacturing facilities.  In addition, he has worked as a scientist, developing cellulose-based absorbent structures and composites for personal hygiene products; providing business support and conducting research projects in fields of adhesion, emulsions, spray-drying and fluidized-bed particle coating. Szymonski holds M.S. degrees in chemical engineering and in pulp and paper technology.

At WIST, Szymonski is performing paper testing, analysis and development work, including operation of the pilot paper plant. He also provides laboratory support to the UW-Stevens Point undergraduate program in paper science and engineering, and will be assisting with WIST's hands-on courses including papermaking and pulping and bleaching.  

  

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A student in the UW-Stevens Point visual arts program prepares to make a print on RiverPoint art paper.

WIST shipped its first orders of RiverPoint art paper this month, ahead of its May schedule.

The paper is the result of a unique collaboration at UW-Stevens Point. WIST, the Department of Paper Science & Engineering and the Department of Art & Design worked together to develop an economical, archival-quality art paper for use by the university's Department of Art & Design. The paper had to be versatile enough for use in a range of printmaking and drawing applications. The result was so successful we decided to make the paper more widely available.

In March, students from PS&E and Art & Design hosted a booth at the 2013 Southern Graphics Council International Conference in Milwaukee, where they gave away samples and displayed art work created on the paper by UW-Stevens Point students and faculty. Response for conference attendees was very favorable and resulted in initial orders for the paper.

  

WIST will be marketing the paper to educational institutions and the general public in the coming months. More information and an order form are on the WIST website.

  

We have rescheduled two of WIST's popular hands-on courses and registration is open for both. Register early to get the best rate.

  

If you or others in your organization are new to operations, recently transferred from another industry, perform maintenance or supervise employees, the papermaking course can provide the basics needed. The pulping and bleaching course is targeted for process engineers and pulp mill operators.  
 
Hands-on Papermaking will be offered June 13-14. Register by May 22 for $710; after May 22 for $1,150. This course features a blend of classroom instruction and guided exercises using the pilot paper machine at WIST. 
 
Hands-on Pulping and Bleaching is set for June 27-28. Register by June 6 for $710; after June 6 for $1,100. Along with instruction by Paper Science & Engineering faculty and WIST staff, the course features hands-on work in the WIST paper lab.

For more information or to register, call Angie Hauer, WIST program development coordinator, at 715-346-2331 or email Angie at Angie.Hauer@uwsp.edu.  

See our education prospectus for other upcoming courses including:
* Sustainable Energy: June 6
* Green Chemistry: June 20

WIST made custom paper that was turned into journals for the Warrior Writers project.

WIST was pleased to be able to play a small part recently in support of a special project for veterans at UW-Stevens Point. The project, in early April, was led by the College of Fine Arts and Communication, and involved two national groups, Combat Paper and Warrior Writers. It was in turn part of a larger series called Visions of War, co-sponsored by UW-Stevens Point and Mid-State Technical College.
In workshops with art faculty, the veterans used their uniforms to make hand-made paper and to make art.

  

Ahead of the workshops, WIST laboratory staff created paper that included pulp made from military uniforms. The paper was used to create journals, which the veterans used during their week at UW-Stevens Point. Local news organizations covered the project, including this Stevens Point Journal article.

  

WIST is hosting an informational program on the Green Tier and Green Masters programs, innovative programs to help businesses build credentials in environmental and sustainability actions. Presented by Tom Eggert, the session at UW-Stevens Point runs from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Click on this link for more details and to register. Eggert is also presenting this information in several other communities around Wisconsin in the next few weeks. All sessions are free. For more information or to register call Tom Eggert at 608-267-2761.

  

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WIST and IPS Testing will be co-hosting a booth at PaperCon in Atlanta April 27-May 1. Stop by and visit with us about the many services we offer for the pulp and paper industry. We're in booth 442
  

In the meantime, you can view our new WIST-IPS laboratory services brochure and more information about our services on the laboratory services pages of the WIST website.

  

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