Eric Nelson

Eric Nelson walked into SVSU knowing he wanted to study science; he just needed to figure out which field. He found his passion for the subject in high school, when he took AP Chemistry and AP Biology and discovered that he not only enjoyed the classes but was good at them.

Building a community around chemistry

Eric didn't wait for opportunities to come to him at SVSU. He dove into the Chemistry Club, serving as President during his senior year, a role in which he helped grow the club's membership and expand its reach. Through the club, he attended conferences and earned the rare opportunity to present research at the ACS National Conference in San Diego, where he connected with chemistry enthusiasts from across the country.

Eric loved meeting people from all over who were just as passionate about chemistry as he was. The SVSU Chemistry Club cultivated a particularly strong relationship with the Central Michigan Chemistry Club, collaborating on events and maintaining an active network between the two programs.

Research that set him apart

Beyond the club, Eric spent two years as a student researcher in physical chemistry, an experience that would prove to be one of the most formative of his academic career. During that time, he contributed to work that resulted in a published paper, a distinction rare among undergraduates.

Being in a lab environment helped teach Eric how to think through a problem. It gave him the opportunity to solve it, fail, and try again. That hands-on experience meant that he entered the workforce with a depth of practical knowledge his peers often didn't have. He wasn't just prepared to answer exam questions; he knew how to think through real scientific problems.

Bridging the Gap: From Campus to Career

While Eric’s research gave him a technical edge, he knew that practical industry experience would be the final piece of his undergraduate puzzle. During his senior year, he utilized SVSU Career Services to secure an internship as a Lab Technician for Gougeon Brothers, a prominent epoxy manufacturer.

In this role, Eric was tasked with supporting the product development of their Pro-Set line. His ability to translate his academic rigor into a fast-paced corporate lab didn't go unnoticed. Eric’s performance and technical contributions were so impactful that the company extended his summer internship into a full-year position, providing him with an intensive look at how chemical formulations move from the R&D stage to the market. This

experience served as a launchpad, proving that he could thrive in the rigorous environments of major industrial players.

A decade at Dow, and a new challenge at Michigan Sugar

After graduating in 2013, Eric joined Dow as a chemist, where he spent nearly a decade working as an analytical chemist focused on toxicology and environmental testing. The role sharpened his technical skills and gave him a deep foundation in applied chemistry.

Ready for a new challenge, he transitioned to Michigan Sugar as Chief Chemist, overseeing laboratory operations across all factory sites. In January 2026, he moved into the role of Senior Chemist, bringing with him more than a decade of industry expertise.

What Eric loves most about his current work is that not only is every day different, but each season brings new challenges to adjust to and solve. Every year, weather patterns, environmental conditions, and seed varieties shape how many sugar beets are available and their qualities. No two seasons are the same, and that unpredictability keeps the work engaging.

A field that rewards connection

Eric likes how small and collaborative the sugar beet manufacturing industry is. He met many professional contacts while attending the McGinnis Institute of Beet Sugar Technology School in Fort Collins, CO. The school is well-known in the industry, with many companies sending employees annually to learn the entire process of making sugar, from the beet pile to diffusion and crystallization to the packaging and storage of sugar. The school and the connections it provides help give the industry a sense of community that Eric appreciates.

Advice for the next generation

For students considering a path in chemistry, Eric has two pieces of advice.

First: pursue co-op and internship opportunities whenever they arise. Real-world lab experience makes a measurable difference when you're starting your career. Important to treat these as long-term interviews since many of these can lead into full time employment opportunities.

Second: if you're deeply passionate about the field, consider pursuing a Ph.D. The landscape is more competitive than it was a decade ago, and advanced credentials open doors, both for initial hiring and long-term advancement.

Eric's experience is a reminder that the advantages of student research, co-op/internships, and professional clubs offered at SVSU can be a great leg up when entering the professional world. Eric took those opportunities and used them to his advantage, advancing in a field he is passionate about.

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