Nicole Byrnes Email and Phone Number

I served as President of the SUSChemE Club from Sophomore to Senior year at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, overseeing both the Chemical Engineering Department and the TAPPI Student Chapter. Under my leadership, we grew club membership tenfold, enhancing our role in representing the department, recruiting new members, participating in community events, and organizing professional development trips. I facilitated student participation in national conferences, fostering invaluable networking and learning opportunities nationwide!

During my early college years amidst the challenges of COVID-19, I served as a work-study student with the Division of Student Affairs at ESF, under the guidance of Laura Crandall. This role provided invaluable exposure to ESF's faculty, staff, students, and club coordinators. Notably, I undertook the responsibility of designing and creating the 2021 Empire Forester Yearbook, collaborating closely with professionals from Jostens to develop its design.Additionally, I managed Beth’s Bounty, ESF’s student pantry aimed at combating food insecurity. I oversaw budgeting and operations in honor of Beth Ann Newkirk. I also curated booklets for the 2020-2021 May graduates and crafted informative posters and flyers promoting ESF events. These efforts were crucial in fostering community engagement and social connection amidst the pandemic, including initiatives like a mental health and wellness board to support students during challenging times.

At Sylvamo, I applied my knowledge of engineering principles and practices to various projects in the Pulp Mill, including a sampling trial and data analysis on their fiber recovery system, digester control parameters, and a chemical reduction trial on the bleach plant. I made independent decisions based on sound engineering and scientific methods to troubleshoot and resolve real-world process and product issues. I revitalized our Pulp Mill quality metrics by implementing continuous process improvement strategies while coordinating material and process tests to optimize data entry and usage. Two of my projects were collaborative efforts across departments, aligning with various goals of cost reduction, productivity gains, and process enhancements. My responsibilities also included extensive use of computer software for data input and processing, managing special assignments to enhance communication and responsibility, and analyzing data from trials to make informed recommendations and decisions.

I am proud to be a Co-founder of a pioneering venture with a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry by replacing unsustainable materials with eco-friendly alternatives! It was a great experience developing the brand's vision and strategic direction, ensuring a seamless execution from concept to reality. The creation of a compelling pitch deck was intricate as it outlined an executive summary that articulated the brand's unique value proposition to attract investors, partners, and clients. I worked with a talented team to secure funding by winning both local and international business competitions! This venture marked my first experience with a start-up, and I cherished every moment of the journey!