My Purdue journey began as an undergraduate in Materials Engineering. By the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to continue building technical depth, but I didn’t see a PhD as necessary for the career I envisioned. The Professional Master’s Program offered the perfect balance—advanced coursework, opportunities for research, and the ability to complete the degree in just one year.

 

The PMP gave me both breadth and focus. I leaned into polymers and soft materials courses, which align closely with my current work at 3M in adhesives and tapes. At the same time, the program’s flexibility allowed me to branch out into electives in business and intellectual property. Those classes were invaluable because they taught me how technology connects to the bigger picture of product development—how an idea in the lab eventually becomes a product in a customer’s hands.

 

Research was another cornerstone of my experience. I pursued a directed project under Dr. Johnson that was industry-sponsored, which taught me how to design experiments, manage multiple variables, and interpret results in ways that inform real-world decisions. These skills have translated directly into my R&D role at 3M, where understanding the details of experiment design is critical to driving innovation.

 

My internship at 3M was the bridge to my career. Through a Purdue connection, I landed the role and made the most of it by taking initiative, building relationships, and demonstrating my long-term interest in the company. That effort paid off when I converted the internship into a full-time role with the same team.

 

Beyond academics, I was honoured as a Purdue Engineering Fellow—the highest undergraduate recognition in the College of Engineering—and served as a Materials Engineering ambassador mentoring first-year students. Those leadership experiences gave me perspective on balancing technical expertise with community impact, a lesson that continues to guide me today.

 

Looking back, I credit the PMP with preparing me not just for a job but for a meaningful career. The technical foundation, cross-disciplinary perspective, and leadership opportunities I gained at Purdue continue to shape the way I approach challenges and opportunities at 3M and beyond.