The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) has named its 2015-16 scholarship recipients and recently recognized the worthy students at the PC Symposium in Columbus, Ohio.  The PC Symposium presented by PCI and the Powder Coating Research Group offers in-depth presentations and panel discussions led by top researchers from the world’s preeminent coatings institutes and a fine array of industry engineers and formulators.  The scholarship recipients participated in the symposium to further enhance their learning and grow their connections for the future. 

PCI’s Materials Technology Committee administers the Scholarship Program and works with PCI staff to promote and solicit scholarship applications from students and education institutions.  PCI received many qualified applicants and is excited to watch the research and development of the projects generated by these talented students.  The scholarship fund continues to grow and attract bright new talent to the industrial coatings technologies, including polymer science, manufacturing and engineering.  The PCI 2015-16 Scholarship Program awarded $10,000 collectively. PCI’s Executive Director, Trena Benson shares, “It was a true privilege to present the PCI scholarships to these deserving, and very appreciative, students. They represent the future of our industry and what better way to support their goals. In addition, the PC Symposium was a great venue to connect the students with key people in the powder coating industry. “


Congratulations to each of the following students who were awarded scholarships this year: Ozlem Kubra Akdogan is a polymer engineer currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Polymers and Coatings at Eastern Michigan University.  Atman Fozdar holds a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Indus University in Ahmedabad, India.  He’s currently pursuing his M.Sc. in Polymers and Coatings Technology at Eastern Michigan University. Atman is the president of Polymers and Coatings Advanced Materials Club (PCAM) at Eastern Michigan University which provides a great networking platform to students to connect with professors, industry leaders and experts.  Our third recipient, Milena María Garay Tovar is a chemist with specialized training in Material Design and ten years’ experience in Quality Management and R&D of coatings and polymers at Colombian industry, including project management.  Milena holds a Master of Science in Polymers and Coatings Technology and is a current student at Eastern Michigan University.