Alumni Spotlight: Yu Yang Huang
YuYang
Yu Yang Huang joined CPULD from Costa Rica. His parents migrated there from mainland China, and he is the first generation of his family to study in the U.S. Before completing his two master’s degrees at Virginia Tech in 2021 (Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Sustainable Biomaterials), Yu Yang had studied at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology.
Yu Yang became engaged with VT through an internship program with Dr. Henry Quesada in the fall of 2018. The project/thesis that he worked on that semester was a requirement to complete his bachelor’s degree at Costa Rica Tech. During this internship, his main focus was to develop a mathematical model to determine the cost of heat and vacuum treatments for log fumigation. However, thanks to this exchange program, Yu Yang had the opportunity to learn more about CPULD and the huge impact that we have on the industry.
Yu Yang received a scholarship to study with CPULD and while he worked in our labs, he became certified as an ISTA Technologist and was able to publish several papers in international journal to share his research findings with the scientific community.
Yu Yang explained that “the concept of packaging is not well-known in Costa Rica, this motivated me to explore more about this field, and therefore, to pursue a degree in the CPULD program. After graduating from their program and being able to work in the industry, I realized that CPULD was a life-changing experience. The program that VT offers is complete and prepares the students with the necessary problem-solving skillsets. Moreover, the program is focused on designing efficient and effective packaging, always taking into account distribution through the supply chain and the sustainability of the environment."
While he was earning his master’s degrees, Yu Yang had the opportunity to write a thesis focused on the Evaluation of Maximum Pallet Deflection Under Dynamic Forklift Handling Conditions. Yu Yang described the some of the benefits of his time with CPULD. “This research project allowed me to work with an interdisciplinary team to develop a laboratory-scale simulation for pallet handling. CPULD also provided me with opportunities to develop and improve my project management, teamwork, and leadership skillsets as you have the opportunity to work in a world-class laboratory. During my time working as a lab manager, I was responsible for supervising 2-4 laboratory technicians in order to complete laboratory testing projects which contributed to the packaging improvement of the companies. These experiences allowed me, later on, to lead important projects at my corporate job.”
“I chose CPULD because of the impact it has on the industry. The program was well-known around the world and is taught by well-prepared faculty members. Honestly, I didn’t know that packaging science was going to play that huge of a role in my professional career. I always knew that I wanted to be an engineer in a manufacturing company but not a packaging engineer.”
“Currently, I’m working as an Industrial Engineer at Siemens Mobility in Sacramento California. My main responsibilities include the design and implementation of material PFEF (Plan for Every Part), including the design of supplier-warehouse-production material flow for Rolling Stock and Composites sites. I’m heavily involved in the design and implementation of disposable and returnable packaging and transport solutions to assure logistics needs are met and maintained through the project life cycle.”
“Moreover, I lead negotiations with suppliers to define the supply chain and logistics specifications for new Rolling Stock projects (locomotive and coach projects). Previously, I also had the opportunity to work as a Logistics Engineer at Alstom Transportation in Hornell, New York. During that time, I had the opportunity to work on the first high-speed train in the US.”
“CPULD provided me with all the necessary skillsets and knowledge to perform in a great manner in the corporate world. My piece of advice for future and current students is to enjoy the journey and don’t be afraid to learn every day and challenge yourself to be outside of your comfort zone. Virginia Tech is a very challenging environment; however, it provides you with the necessary support and tools to succeed.”
