Senior Olivia Cullari is Scholarship Recipient

Olivia Cullari, a senior packaging engineering major, was awarded the prestigious 2024 Cosmetics Industry Buyers and Suppliers (CIBS) scholarship at the annual Packaging Engineering Career and Awards Dinner. She will apply the $2,500 award, which was presented to her by CIBS Scholarship chair and SoE alumnua Ukachi Anonyuo, to her spring tuition. Since 1948, CIBS has fostered beauty and lifestyle packaging talent through its competitive scholarship program. Cullari’s award recognizes her outstanding academic record, involvement with the Packaging Engineering Club and Rutgers Performing Dance Company, and invaluable hands-on experience gained through an ongoing co-op with L’Oréal. Passionate about cosmetics and beauty packaging, she hopes to continue in the field after graduating in May 2025. 

What does the CBIS Scholarship mean to you? 

It’s an honor, as it was originally founded to help those returning from World War II to re-assimilate back into the packaging industry. Now, as a prospective member of the cosmetic packaging field, being recognized by this amazing organization is not only a privilege but an opportunity to network with some of the industry’s finest professionals. 

What drew you to major in packaging? 

The ability to work in diverse fields ranging from pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer goods, and food drew me to the major. It encompasses problem-solving and design while allowing for creativity, collaboration, and an introduction of more sustainable practices within these numerous industries. 

What excites you most about packaging? 

Implementing sustainable practices to meet sustainability goals and working with cross-functional teams while maintaining the fundamentals of packaging make each day in the field unique and educational.  

What have you worked on with your L’Oréal co-op? 

I’ve had the responsibility of working on the packaging hair care and styling team on mono-material pumps and PCR, or post-consumer recycled, transition projects. Throughout this process, I’ve had the opportunity to facilitate testing and validation, lead meetings, and gain invaluable insight into packaging as a whole.  

What do you most value about your Rutgers education? 

Within RU packaging, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the industry’s finest professionals. The packaging staff is passionate about the field and how to better its practices, and genuinely cares about students’ success. They’ve helped facilitate networking, events, and scholarship opportunities like the CIBS award. 

What about your extracurricular activities? 

In my junior year, when I had just transferred from a mathematics major to packaging engineering, I joined the student-run Packaging Engineering Club, which helped me integrate into the major I’d joined late in my college experience. This year, I’ve been a part of the Rutgers Performing Dance Company, which showcases performances at the end of each semester.  

Do you have any advice for incoming packaging majors? 

Make the most of your co-op and internship opportunities as these are invaluable experiences that will elevate all that you learn in classes. Networking early on in your college experience and attending all packaging events are crucial to creating these opportunities. 

What three words best describe your RU Engineering experience? 

Unique. Invaluable. Exciting.