By: Jacqueline J. Bergman

Founded in 1981 by Don Betando of the Division of Technology, San Jose State University’s (SJSU) Packaging Program was the first of its kind west of the Mississippi. Flash forward to the present, SJSU is one of eleven distinguished academic institutions in the U.S. offering degrees in Packaging, including a B.S. in Nutritional Science with a Concentration in Packaging and a minor in Packaging. Graduates of the SJSU Packaging program gain employment at many of the world’s premier companies including Apple Computer, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco Systems, and Applied Biosystems among many others.

Although the early history of the SJSU Packaging Program was painted with peaks and valleys of successes and challenges, the program has been on a steady upward trajectory for the past 15 years thanks to the collective strokes of progressive leaders such as the late Don Betando, Jorge Marcondes, and Herbert Schueneman. Gifted with the same eye for innovation as his predecessors, new Packaging Program director Edmund Tang has plans to take the program to new heights.

After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Industrial Systems Engineering Department at SJSU, Tang started a position as a Test Engineer in 2005 at WESTPAK, a world recognized test laboratory. After working full time for four years, he began an appointment as Adjunct Professor at SJSU in 2009.  Thirteen years later, Tang got word of the open position of Assistant Professor and Director of Packaging in the The Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging Department at SJSU. Tang jumped at the opportunity to apply his vast experience and passion for teaching, mentorship, and the packaging industry to revamp the same packaging program where he cut his professional teeth.

A major component of Tang’s vision for the future of the Packaging Program is to “welcome industry partners with open arms.” Tang’s plan to expand industry partnerships is well underway as he has already revitalized and established nearly 20 partnerships in a variety of industries in the high tech, medical and pharmaceutical, foods, cosmetics, and testing spaces. Some industry partnerships include Google, Facebook, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Stryker, Foster Farms, Del Monte Foods, and Benefit Cosmetics. The benefits from these relationships range from guest lectures, field trips, exclusive internship opportunities, and the ability to use a professional lab.

When asked what he enjoys most about the packaging industry, Tang’s answer is simple. The people. “The industry is small… it’s a tight-knit, down-to-earth community where everyone knows everyone.” Tang goes on to share how he’s continually inspired by the humble and generous nature of the packaging community, “everyone is so supportive and eager to give back to the future generation.”

An additional element of Tang’s vision for the Packaging Program is to bring this charitable spirit of community, camaraderie, and respect to the classroom.

Tang’s teaching philosophy fosters a welcoming, student-centered learning environment where students feel heard, valued, and respected. As is the case within the packaging industry, Tang believes there is no room for ego in the classroom. He explains to students, “nothing is wrong with questioning authority if it is done in a respectful manner.” Meaningful peer discussion and connection continues outside the classroom through field trips to Google Headquarters or industry conferences like PACK EXPO. Tang explains, “[field trips] give students the opportunity to break bread with their peers and view them not simply as classmates, but as colleagues and friends that will last a lifetime.”

In addition to creating a culture of respect and camaraderie in the classroom, Tang has expanded the curriculum with two new classes, Hazardous Materials Packaging (PKG 160) and Advanced Laboratory Testing (PKG 168), with plans of creating a third. Additional plans include creating a mentorship program and advisory board to help foster SJSU student-industry connections, and much more. There is no stopping this packaging mastermind!

When summarizing his goals for the program Tang shares, “At the end of the day, I want all students to graduate [from the Packaging Program] with the confidence, competence, and industry connections needed to thrive in the real world”.

Through his boundless vision for innovative industry partnership, commitment to student mentorship and empowerment, and his charitable, down-to-earth approach, Edmund Tang embodies the ideal SJSU faculty archetype. The Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging Department is proud to have Tang on the team as we cheer this inspirational Spartan on from the sidelines!

Learn more about the SJSU’s Packaging Program and potential career paths online.

Contacts:

Chairperson:
Dr. Ashwini Wagle
408-924-3100 / Ashwini.Wagle@sjsu.edu

Packaging Program Director and Advisor:
Edmund Tang
edmund.tang@sjsu.edu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmund-tang-79926a4/