From research to development to consumer
Surrounded by tiny bottles with labels of different shampoo ingredients in a state-of-the-art laboratory, Kayla Hinton, a senior in agricultural and biological engineering (ABE), smiles when she thinks of where she is today. She spent her summer researching for a product that will be on grocery store shelves across the country. Not so long ago, this place was just a dream, a place she now calls "her fit.”
“Not your typical engineer”
Hinton, who is studying cellular and biomolecular engineering, says if ten years ago you told her she would be working to become an engineer, she would have laughed. Her father is a mechanical engineer, and, like so many children, she wanted to do anything but what her parents did.
Over time, however, things changed for Hinton, as she realized all of the opportunities available in engineering. Now she looks forward to receiving her engineering degree this spring with excitement for the possibilities. Hinton credits the First Year Engineering Program (FYE) at Purdue with helping her find her place in engineering. During the program, she began looking at the classes offered at Purdue and the description of the careers and realized that agricultural and biological engineering was the area she wanted to focus on.
Hinton was selected to join the Laboratory of Renewable Resource Engineering (LORRE) in her sophomore year. This lab's focus is on the research of drug diffusion in pharmaceuticals. "While I enjoyed pharmaceutical work, I realized I wanted a product I can work on and have on a grocery store shelf within five to ten years." This became the entry point for Hinton into the consumer goods industry.
If at first you don't succeed
As she searched for ways to try to enter the consumer goods industry, Hinton applied for several internships in the fall of 2022 with all of the major players in the space. Her top choice? Procter and Gamble. Hinton started the application process, the same process she had completed as a freshman after attending a presentation by the company. Last time, she did not make it through the first round. However, this time
Hinton was selected for a 2023 internship with Procter & Gamble in their Beauty R&D business unit. She spent her summer in one of their business centers in Mason, Ohio, and was assigned to research ingredients for their shampoos with a focus to improve sustainability and specifically biodegradability.
"Most of my internship was spent in the lab making samples, looking at them and sharing my data with my team," Hinton said. Not only was the work deemed valuable by the P&G team, but it also taught Hinton to hone in on what the consumer is looking for to help create a worthwhile product.
Hinton appreciated the culture and inclusivity she found at P&G. Her teammates were welcoming and encouraged her to ask questions. “In just 12 weeks, I got to know all of these different people in different roles and business units. I learned how to troubleshoot by asking other people for help. That take away is something that is going to help me not only in industry but in my personal life."
Hinton's time at P&G ended in late July. Before completing her internship, she presented her summer research in a poster session that received great feedback. "It meant a lot to hear from upper-level management about how impactful this project is for the company. I am proud to be a part of something so meaningful."
Hinton appreciated the culture and inclusivity she found at P&G. Her teammates were welcoming and encouraged her to ask questions. “In just 12 weeks, I got to know all of these different people in different roles and business units. I learned how to troubleshoot by asking other people for help. That take away is something that is going to help me not only in industry but in my personal life."
Hinton's time at P&G ended in late July. Before completing her internship, she presented her summer research in a poster session that received great feedback. "It meant a lot to hear from upper-level management about how impactful this project is for the company. I am proud to be a part of something so meaningful."
The next chapter begins
As Hinton looks towards graduation, she is thankful for the experience with Procter and Gamble confirming to her what path she wants to take. She may not be exactly sure what the name on the outside of the building will be, but she knows she won't give up until she finds her true fit.
Hinton believes her internship taught her that it is important to keep pursuing what you want and not to give up.I have truly learned that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Your mind is a powerful tool. From not getting through the first round of interviews to landing the internship of my dreams two years later, I am excited to see what is next.
- Kayla Hinton, senior in agricultural and biological engineering
