Hands-on, industry-driven experience is a defining feature of our packaging science program. Through paid, full-time co-op assignments, students step beyond the classroom to apply what they’ve learned in professional settings while building skills, networks and confidence.
During the 2026 Spring and Summer terms, 18 Packaging Science students are completing co-ops with companies across the food, consumer goods, automotive, medical device and sustainable packaging sectors. Their placements span the Southeast, Midwest and Northeast, reflecting both the reach of the program and the demand for Clemson-trained packaging professionals.
Real-world experience, real responsibility
Co-ops offer extended, immersive experiences that go beyond traditional internships. Students work alongside engineers, designers and operations teams, contributing to projects that include materials testing, package development, quality assurance, automation and logistics. Along the way, they gain firsthand insight into how packaging decisions shape sustainability efforts, supply chains and the consumer experience.
Spring–Summer 2026 packaging science co-op placements
- Sarah Allen — 3M, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Caroline Beecher — Kraft Heinz, Chicago, Illinois
- Grace Bonacci — Pratt Industries, Conyers, Georgia
- Kiersten Bouknight — Mercedes-Benz, Vance, Alabama
- Carter Brown — TekniPlex, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Ethan Gibson — Greif, Greenville, South Carolina
- Dylan Raven Millare — Pratt Industries, Austell, Georgia
- Alea Mitchell — Greif, Franklin, Tennessee
- Grace Montgomery — Arthrex, Anderson, South Carolina
- Samantha Mullen — Tyson Foods, Springdale, Arkansas
- Reagan Raney — Keurig Dr Pepper, Frisco, Texas
- Emma Riser — Keurig Dr Pepper, Burlington, Massachusetts
- Ellis Runnels — Brown-Forman, Louisville, Kentucky
- Elizabeth Saleeby — Arthrex, Ave Maria, Florida
- Adelaide Shirley — Arthrex, Naples, Florida
- Lillian Tolson — Packaging Corporation of America, Mooresville, North Carolina
- Bridget Yaney — Printpack, Atlanta, Georgia
- Sarah Ng — Sealed Air, Charlotte, North Carolina
Preparing graduates for the packaging industry
Co-ops are a core part of how Packaging Science students prepare for professional practice. By graduation, students have not only mastered theory but also applied it in production environments and corporate settings.
When students return to campus, they bring industry perspectives that strengthen coursework, inform senior projects and reinforce Clemson’s partnerships with employers.
