From Polymer Camp to Textiles to a Leadership Opportunity

Written by Miranda Bunnis

Elizabeth Jezioranski, a freshman at the Wilson College of Textiles and president of the NC State chapter of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), credits her 2014 Polymer Camp experience with her decision to pursue her degree in the Polymer and Color Chemistryprogram at NC State.

Jezioranski, a Raleigh native who attended Cary Christian School, found out about the annual two-day summer workshop during a high school chemistry class. She was intrigued by the opportunity to explore her interest in chemistry.

“Someone from our school who went to the Wilson College of Textiles came back and spoke about it. I’d never heard about textiles until the NC State student did the talk and I thought it sounded really interesting. I liked how unique it was,” she said.

Polymer Camp, which is offered each year by the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science consists of lectures with professors, and an introduction to polymers, hands-on laboratories and interactive sessions.

“I loved the in-lab aspects. The learning is different when you get to experience it,” said Jezioranski, whose favorite part to polymer camp was the opportunity to synthesize nylon. “This was my first time seeing polymer science in action, and partly why I chose to study it.”

“It’s good for people who like chemistry,” Jezioranski said about polymer camp, “but also for someone who is not sure what they like. It’s such a unique field, but it’s not just about chemistry.”

Once enrolled at the Wilson College of Textiles, Jezioranski quickly became interested in joining AATCC and taking on a leadership role. “I wanted to grow as a person, and challenge myself,” Jezioranski said.

As the president of AATCC, Jezioranski oversees everything within the group, reads over the meetings and contacts textile industry members to come talk to the club.

As for the future, Jezioranski is interested in pursuing a career in trace evidence. Solving real life puzzles that have a significant impact on society is an aspect Jezioranski is particularly keen to explore within this career.

If you are interested in attending Polymer Camp, it will be held July 28 and 29 the Wilson College of Textiles. Applications are now being accepted.