Ozlem Akdogan

Ozlem Akdogan
Young Professional Member

Ozlem Akdogan一直在利用她的TAPPI会员资格和在造纸、纸浆和包装行业的新联系，以获得各种各样主题的知识。了解她一直在做什么来促进她的职业生涯，以及到目前为止她在造纸行业工作中学到的宝贵经验。

你的工作职责是什么?
I am mainly responsible for the design, development, application, and testing of paper coatings. Although my official title is Product Development Engineer, I work in other areas of the company, as well. I feel fulfilled when I am able to contribute to different parts of the organization, and love working in a collaborative culture.

How did you end up in this industry?
当时我在伊利诺斯州做研发化学家，我接到了一个招聘人员的电话。他问我是否对东海岸的新职位感兴趣。那时我刚结婚，我丈夫住在纽约，所以听起来是个不错的机会。我们聊了聊，他邀请我去现场面试。原来，招聘我的人是这家公司的老板。他的兴趣是为不同的市场开发可持续和环保的涂料技术。虽然看起来很有挑战性，但我觉得这是一个很好的选择。我接受了邀请，开始从零开始建造纸涂层实验室。两年后我还在这里。

What prompted you to join TAPPI?
I was like a sponge when I started my current role. I was looking for a reservoir of information that I could use to expand my knowledge, and that’s how I found TAPPI.

What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
That is a very hard question, but I think it is the fact that I truly found my passion and calling in life in designing and developing bio-based polymers for different applications at a young age. It not only an accomplishment but a blessing.

What is it like being a young professional in this field?
It is very challenging. However, we are relatively blessed that TAPPI offers a platform where we can connect with more senior professionals. I am not going to overlook moral support, either. It is just as important as technical support. Especially if you are a woman in a male-dominated industry.

What is a lesson you have learned that you would want to pass on to others?
I think one piece of crucial advice I have received is, “Stay connected to your core values.” I want to emphasize that, as well. It is important for us to remember to react mindfully in moments that feel wrong, unethical, or unfair. I know that is hard to do. If you come across a situation like this, it helps to change your position. If you are sitting, stand up, or vice versa. Take a deep breath and maybe even a 5-minute walk outside. But please, speak up! Never, ever keep it to yourself.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?Hiking is my forever go-to. I also enjoy cooking, playing sudoku, and daily meditation.

How has your TAPPI membership benefitted you or your career?
I am meeting so many talented people through the Young Professionals and Women in Industry Divisions. Listening to their experiences and connecting with them on a personal level is broadening my perspective in this industry; not just technically but overall. I participated in TAPPICon virtual recently and I loved when Thalia from Domtar said “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” It resonated with me. Also, I joined the Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology Course last year with my team through TAPPI. It was a good overview, and we gained a lot of knowledge about the paper and pulp process.

Just for fun:
What’s your favorite food?
Stuffed eggplant. We call it “Karniyarik” in Turkey. The exact translation in English is “split belly."

If you could pick a theme song for your life, what would it be?
Nina Simone-Feeling Good