Image 1. Sean Hobbs and Dr. Laszlo Horvath
Image 1. Sean Hobbs and Dr. Laszlo Horvath
Image 2. Mary Paz Alvarez and Dr. Laszlo Horvath
Image 2. Mary Paz Alvarez and Dr. Laszlo Horvath

The Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design congratulates Mary Paz Alvarez and Sean Hobbs for graduating this semester! Mary received her Ph.D. and Sean his Masters in December 2023.

Sean’s research had focused on the “Investigation of new and recovered wood shipping platforms in the U.S. in 2021.” He was also featured in a CPULD News article. The results of his research allow for the continued tracking of pallets over the decades. He investigated trends in the usage and types of new wood platforms used by the US pallet industry as well as the same trends for used/recovered pallets. He also looked into the size of manufacturing/remanufacturing companies and collected data on employee numbers, lumber used, and pallet output. After successfully defending his thesis, Sean is currently interviewing with companies.

Mary’s Ph.D. research was titled “Predicting the strength of plastic pails supported on flexible pallet deckboards.” Mary has been featured multiple recent CPULD News articles about awards she’s won. Mary’s research showed that symmetrical and asymmetrical loading created different trends when comparing pail/pallet deformation and pail compression strength. She also found that deckboard thickness is relevant when investigating pail failure. These factors should all be taken into account by unit load designers in order to create safer and more sustainable pallets. Mary already has accepted a faculty position at University of Wisconsin Stout and will begin her work as a tenure-track packaging Assistant Professor in January.

“One of the best part of my job is to mentor graduate students and have the privilege to see their professional growth over their time at Virginia Tech,” said Laszlo Horvath, CPULD director and an advisor to both students, “and I am fully excited about seeing the accomplishments in the future.”