Chemical Engineering Student Earns Prestigious Internship

Jenna Pugliese ’15

Villanova University Chemical Engineering major and Honors degree student Jenna Pugliese ’15 has been named an SCI Scholar by the American Chemical Society. Selected based on the strength of their application, statement of interest in an industrial internship, and letters of recommendation, SCI Scholars are awarded a prestigious 10-week paid internship. Jenna will spend summer 2014 with Chemtura, a global specialty chemicals company, in Perth Amboy, N.J.

As an intern, Jenna will work under the direction of Chemtura's plant manager and plant maintenance leader to provide engineering/technical support to co-workers. She will participate as a team member in leading business process improvement, such as Lean Manufacturing, ISO and Six Sigma. Project work will include learning opportunities in the areas of data analysis tools and methodology, how to develop a continuous improvement plan, and plant equipment. Jenna says that she is looking forward to applying her learning in the real world. “There are only so many things that can be taught in the classroom. With this internship, I will be able to gain hands on experience that cannot simply be taught.”

A native of Staten Island, N.Y., Jenna is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, as well as Omicron Delta Kappa (a leadership honor society). She serves as a teaching assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering, and is also an Honors Ambassador for the University Honors Program. After a few years in the working world, Jenna hopes to earn her master’s degree. “The chemical engineering field is always evolving as new technologies and methods are invented. A graduate degree will enable me to grow in this versatile and dynamic industry,” she says.