Ian A. Journeaux
Ian A. Journeaux, Ph.D.
Professional Member
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Ian Journeaux, Ph.D., likes to point out that his membership in TAPPI over the years has given him the chance to “pay it forward” when it comes to his fellow professionals and colleagues in the Process Technology arena. “When I saw the value of what I had learned from others and its successful application in the workplace, I knew that with my growing experience I could do the same for those who came after me,” he said. A member since 1988, Ian has been actively involved in many facets of TAPPI’s Process Control Division and since 1998 has been engaged in a number of leadership roles.
Currently serving as a Process Technology Manager for NewPage Corporation of Miamisburg, Ohio, Ian is responsible for process optimization, process troubleshooting and new technology evaluation. He earned his doctorate in Chemical Engineering from McGill University in Montreal, his Master’s from The Institute of Paper Chemistry in Wisconsin and his Bachelor in Applied Science from the University of Waterloo in Ontario. He has shared his expertise over the years through various publications and conferences, including TAPPI’s annual PaperCon and the Canadian Pulp and Paper Journal. He has also been recognized for his work in the industry, most recently receiving the TAPPI Process Control Division and Leadership Award in 2009.
A multi-faceted professional, Ian’s personal interests are as varied as his workplace ones. A self-proclaimed do-it-yourself home renovator, he also enjoys pretending to be a car mechanic and dabbling in numerous computer related projects, including building computers, and programming in C/C++ and Visual Basic. But his true off-the-clock passion is an intriguing sport called “curling” about which he once gave a “live” how-to demonstration … on radio!
Q. Why Did You Decide To Join TAPPI?
I originally joined TAPPI just because I was attending the conferences, but over the years I started to recognize the value I was getting out of the many opportunities to interact with my friends and colleagues. At that point I decided to start taking a more active role within the organization because I wanted to pay it forward.
Q. Please describe your involvement with TAPPI over the years.
I have been active in the TAPPI Process Control Division, and since 1998 started taking on various leadership positions there. I was Process Control Committee Chairman from 2002 to 2005, and have served as the Technical Program Chairman since 2007.
Q. How has TAPPI helped you in your career pursuits?
The interactions and friendships that I have established over the years have been invaluable to me. The discussions I have had with colleagues on pressing issues have helped focus my efforts and reach.
Q. Tell us about some of your interests outside of TAPPI and your professional life.
I have been active in the sport of curling for 35-plus years, in four provinces and 10+ states. I played in the Canadian National Curling Championship, called the “Brier,” in 1987 and have played in numerous competitions leading to national championships. I also served as President of the Stevens Point Curling Club from 2004-2009.
Q. Can you share a unique or fun fact about yourself?
I actually gave a live curling demonstration to a radio audience when I appeared on Michael Feldman’s “Whad’ya Know? Not Much” show on Wisconsin public radio. No small feat, that!
Q. Closing sentiments?
TAPPI membership is one of the most valuable investments you can make in support of your career. The networking opportunities at TAPPI conferences and short courses will help you solve some of the more challenging problems you will face on a day-to-day basis. You don’t have to solve problems alone!