VinylTec Travel Grants Give Students a Window into the Vinyl Industry

TL;DR: WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 9, 2026 — This year, the Vinyl Institute financially supported Georgia Tech students attending VinylTec through its annual Travel Grant program. The program helps connect the next generation of scientists and engineers with real-world applications and gain firsthand exposure to the issues shaping the future of vinyl.

If you are a student interested in participating in the program, please reach out to the Vinyl Institute to learn more about how the VI can support you. It’s a fruitful program for students every year, but don’t take our word for it! Hear from two of the students themselves:

Ella Baker, Georgia Tech

Attending VinylTec was a great opportunity to learn more about the plastics industry and the innovations currently taking place. One of the most interesting things I learned about was PVC stabilization and how it plays an important role in improving the performance and durability of PVC products. The conference helped me better understand how materials science concepts are applied in real-world industries and how much research goes into developing and improving plastic materials.

My favorite part of the experience was attending the tutorials and getting to experience a professional conference alongside industry leaders. It was interesting to hear about the challenges companies are working to solve and the advancements being made in the field. I also enjoyed having the opportunity to learn from professionals and see how different areas of the plastics industry connect.

VinylTec also helped expand my career interests. Before attending, I was interested in plastics recycling and sustainable materials, but the conference introduced me to more possibilities within the PVC industry. I am now interested in exploring applications in medical supplies, construction, and potentially food and beverage packaging. I would like to learn more about the research and development that goes into creating materials that meet the specific needs of these industries.

I would recommend that future students attend VinylTec because it is a valuable way to see what is happening in the plastics industry beyond the classroom. It provides insight into current innovations, emerging challenges, and the direction the field is heading. It is also a great opportunity to connect what we learn as students to potential career paths and gain a better understanding of where we could contribute in the future.

Ellie Choi, Georgia Tech

Attending VinylTec was a valuable learning experience that helped me better understand the vinyl industry and its applications. As a first-year Materials Science and Engineering student at Georgia Tech, I had very limited knowledge of PVC before attending the conference. I did not fully understand what PVC was, how it was produced, or how its properties could be modified for different applications. Through the conference, I learned about various aspects of vinyl technology, including the role of additives in changing material properties and improving performance for specific uses.

My favorite part of the experience was having the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and see how the concepts I study in the classroom are applied to real-world challenges. It was especially meaningful to see how much knowledge, collaboration, and innovation go into developing and improving materials. Being surrounded by professionals who are passionate about their work helped me better appreciate the impact materials scientists and engineers can make.

VinylTec also influenced my career interests by motivating me to pursue opportunities in industry. Before attending, I was still exploring the many directions I could take with my MSE degree. The conference helped me envision myself contributing to meaningful projects, developing expertise, and confidently sharing my work with other professionals. I hope to reach a point where I can proudly explain the projects I am working on and their impact on society, just as many presenters at VinylTec did.

I would encourage future students to attend VinylTec because it provides an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, explore career possibilities, and connect with professionals. I wish I could tell them not to be afraid of attending without any technical skills. Because even without prior knowledge of PVC, students can gain valuable insights and inspiration for their future careers like I did.

By making experiences like VinylTec more accessible, the Vinyl Institute is investing in students today while introducing the next generation of scientists, engineers and industry leaders to the opportunities available in vinyl.