Mackenzie “Kenzie” Claypool, scientist II, NA Flexible Packaging R&D, at H.B. Fuller (above), was recognized as the recipient of the 2024 Women in Industry Scholarship for Excellence (WISE) by the Association for Roll-to-Roll Converters (ARC) during an awards ceremony at its recent R2R USA Conference & Expo in Charlotte, NC. Claypool advises women in the converting field to “Work hard, be flexible, learn and always stand up for yourself when needed.”
Claypool joined H.B. Fuller, St. Paul, MN, in June 2022 as a scientist I in its Pathways Program after earning a BA in Chemistry with a 3.9 GPA from the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, MN. Five months later, she received a rare rating of “exceeds expectations” and was given a merit raise. In April 2024, after completing the rotation through the R&D groups, she was promoted to a more permanent role as scientist II in R&D Flexible Packaging where her work focuses on the formulation of food-grade adhesives.
Her manager Nicole Bousu, Ph.D. rates her as excellent in all areas, including technical ability, motivation and initiative, social and ethical consciousness, and leadership ability and specifically noted her enthusiasm for volunteer opportunities as an organizer and participant, particularly for recruitment efforts at schools that don’t see many recruiters from industrial companies. Bousu reports, “Kenzie is an innovator who can see the big picture, and she works diligently with her team to solve the problem and ask the right questions. She exemplifies the type of employee we need in the converting/laminating market to push technology forward and make impactful change.”
The scholarship judging panel was impressed that her college work was recognized with multiple awards and honors and noted that she is an active volunteer in groups such as Women@Fuller, Next Generation Professionals and Technology Engagement.
“As a scientist, Kenzie strives to create the right product and also cares about what happens after she formulates the product,” says Ginger Cushing, chair of ARC’s Women’s Leadership Committee. “She ticks all the boxes. Her background, accomplishments and enthusiasm for our industry embody the spirit in which we developed this award.”
The WISE
The WISE was created in 2022 by the ARC (then AIMCAL) and its Women’s Leadership Committee to encourage and commend women who have chosen careers in the R2R industry. The WISE is awarded to women already working in the roll-to-roll converting industry and is intended to recognize those who have overcome significant challenges, invested in STEM degrees, and continue to make important contributions to the industry. The scholarship funds are applied directly toward the winner’s student loan balance.
The WISE program is funded by donations and administered via the Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC) Foundation. An endowment is being established to ensure women working in the web-converting field continue to receive aid. Donations of $20,000 have been received toward an endowment goal of $100,000. Levels of support include Diamond Sponsor ($10,000+), Gold Sponsor ($5,000), Silver Sponsor ($1,000), and Friends of the Scholarship (any amount from individuals or businesses). Sponsors receive recognition via the ARC website, social media posts and a scholarship sponsor plaque. Current sponsors include Nordmeccanica Group, Intellivation LLC, and Mahlo America, Inc. When donating, please specify AIMCAL – WISE Scholarship Fund.
Applications for 2025 are available on the ARC website, WISE Scholarship (rolltoroll.org). For more information about the WISE or the ARC’s Women’s Leadership Committee, contact 803-948-9470 or support@rolltoroll.org.