In the last decade, the KSC Chemistry Department has partnered with a young local company known as Polyonics, and through this partnership, students involved in the program can find internships and even permanent jobs there.
Polyonics focuses on the development and production of polyimide, a type of synthetic polymer, and aluminum films. It is employee-owned and run in the U.S.
Denise Junge, the chemistry department chair, spoke about her role in the program and her thoughts about its impact.
“I was kind of the one that started the process. We’ve probably had students with that company for about 10 years,” Junge said. “It’s an interesting story. Many of the employees are actually Keene State alumni.”
Junge cited Polyonic’s research and development head Mick Secord as an example of a Keene State alumni who works at the company, adding, “It’s really just been a wonderful partnership. I think we’ve had, if I do a quick count, eight to ten students that have already gone. Three alumni actually wound up being employed there.”
Aurora Couto, a KSC student who currently has an internship at Polyonics, shared how the program has affected her.
“It has greatly benefited me. I’ve done other research in the department in the past but this is definitely more of a glimpse into the field, which is what I’m looking to do when I graduate in spring. I’m getting a feel for what that’s gonna be like.”
“I really enjoy it and I think they offer a lot of resources. It’s an experience that you don’t necessarily get while you’re here.”
Another way students interested in Chemistry and Biology can find fieldwork is through the STEM Transformational Experiences to Promote Success program, or STEPS. The program offers scholarships, research opportunities and professional and academic support.
Erin Plummer, a junior involved in the STEPS Program, said the program benefits students.
“I think the program is good for getting students into Chemistry and Biology,” Plummer said. “If people are available to join, I think they should do so. And some people always join later on.”
Plummer said that, moving forward, she would like to see, “more involvement from people in the program. I’d like to see that people are more comfortable talking about it.”
Junge expressed a similar sentiment about the chemistry department’s future, “I think what we’d love to do, and I think this is a wonderful opportunity, is to get the word out,” said Junge. “We have a program that parallels what students are getting at any of the colleges across the United States. If we’re not educating chemists and physicists we’re going to reach a point where these people don’t exist, and I think the advancement of science is really going to kind of change. I would really love to see a little bit more exposure and I’d like to find more creative ways to make students want to learn.”
Chloe Erno can be contacted at
cerno@kscequinox.com
