Alanis Coleman, a senior majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in mathematics, was selected as the fall 2024 Outstanding Co-op Student by the Engineering Career Development Center. Coleman completed her third rotation with Smurfit Westrock Mahrt Mill in Cottonton, Alabama, under the supervision of a process engineering paper group leader.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the fall 2024 Outstanding Co-op Student. It validates the hard work and dedication I’ve put into both my academic and professional development,” Coleman said. “This recognition is a direct reflection of the support that I have received from my family, peers, co-workers and The University of Alabama co-op program. I’m incredibly grateful to have been chosen for this award.”
Last fall, Coleman’s work primarily focused on paper machines, including calibrations, bark fuel testing and a project to create a faster moisture test for checking board quality. She managed the company’s empty tote program and has been involved in numerous community outreach programs.
Coleman expressed her gratitude for the co-op program, stating that her experience during her rotations with Westrock Mahrt Mill made her feel prepared to join the workforce and assured her career decisions.
“The co-op program gave me invaluable experience that classroom learning alone could not provide. It allowed me to apply what I’ve learned at The University of Alabama to real processes. Through the program, I was able to build professional connections and gain clarity on my career path. It gave me the opportunity to grow professionally and prove myself in a real-world environment,” Coleman said.
Coleman has accepted an offer for a full-time position with Smurfit Westrock that she will begin in June 2025. To learn more about the College’s co-op program, visit https://coop.sa.ua.edu/cooperative-education/.