Senior packaging science majors at RIT balance rigorous coursework, athletic commitments, and major conference planning to bring national spotlight back to campus

Rochester, New York – At Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the buzz of excitement is palpable as two senior packaging science students, Lia Grammer and Julia Carreras, step up to the monumental task of organizing the 2025 Packaging Jamboree. This national conference, set for April 11-13, is expected to draw nearly 200 participants, including students, faculty, and industry professionals from across the region.

Lia, from Montgomery, N.Y., and Julia, hailing from Lexington, Mass., have taken on the roles of co-chairs for this prestigious event. Their responsibilities include managing the logistics of the site, curating workshops, and planning both professional and social activities that resonate with the dynamic nature of the packaging industry. The endeavor adds a significant layer to their already demanding academic schedule, which includes rigorous coursework, sports, and notable recognitions for their scholarship.

“It’s important for students like us to put together a conference like this to gain skills in planning huge events, because in the future you might be tasked to do that,” said Carreras, who is from Lexington, Mass. “I think Lia and I have networked tremendously with so many companies, we made great connections getting sponsors, and we are getting good at communications.”

Both students have leveraged the opportunity to forge substantial connections within the industry.

“I feel like the packaging community is small and tight knit, so just having the chance to make connections while we are in school is important,” said Grammer, who is from Montgomery, N.Y. “With co-ops, I was able to meet other packaging students from other universities. Being able to have this opportunity for first and second-year students through this conference is key for us because we might be working with some of them as co-workers or managers.”

The RIT packaging science program has equipped them with a diverse skill set, ranging from engineering and material science to product development. Lia noted the tight-knit community within the packaging sector and emphasized the importance of building relationships with peers from other universities.

Outside of their academic achievements, both students are deeply involved in extracurricular activities. Lia is an Eagle Scout and manages social media for the student chapter of the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IOPP). Her efforts were recognized when she was named an Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar and awarded a PepsiCo academic scholarship. Following a successful co-op with PepsiCo, she is set to join the company as a full-time R&D associate engineer.

Julia’s accomplishments are equally commendable. As a Liberty League All-Academic midfielder for the women’s lacrosse team and a member of RIT’s a cappella group Encore, she balances her academic responsibilities with diverse interests. Her recent job offer from Whelen Engineering as the company’s first packaging engineer underscores her readiness to transition her classroom knowledge to practical applications.

As RIT prepares to host the Packaging Jamboree for the first time since 2017, the conference promises to spotlight the latest innovations and trends in the packaging industry through a series of talks and workshops. For Lia and Julia, the event is not just a professional endeavor but a culmination of their educational journey, showcasing their capability to lead and innovate within their chosen field.