Shannon Driess
About Shannon Driess
Shannon Driess serves as the Dry End Process Lead at Cascades, where she has worked since 2020. With a background in chemical engineering and materials science, she has experience in various roles across multiple industries, including aerospace and medical devices.
Work at Cascades
Shannon Driess currently serves as the Dry End Process Lead at Cascades, a position held since 2020. In this role, she manages the Dry End Centerlines at Greenpac Mill, monitoring key process parameters and setting limits and targets using PARCview. She oversees the Dry End Laboratory, which includes creating, reviewing, and updating TAPPI paper quality test Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Driess coordinates with continuous improvement and process engineers to execute projects aimed at enhancing overall equipment efficiency by reducing downtime and eliminating bottlenecks. Her responsibilities also include conducting small group safety talks with operations teams to address safety concerns and encourage pre-job risk assessments.
Education and Expertise
Shannon Driess holds a Master of Science in Materials Science & Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, which she completed from 2018 to 2020. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the same institution, graduating in 2020 after five years of study. During her academic career, she participated in a reputable research group focusing on the study and fabrication of metal-carbon nanotube hybrid materials. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in engineering principles and materials science.
Background
Shannon Driess began her academic journey at Grand Island Senior High School, where she studied from 2011 to 2015. Following high school, she attended Rochester Institute of Technology, where she pursued degrees in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering. Driess has held various roles in both academic and professional settings, including positions as a Teaching Assistant, Peer Career Advisor, and Note Taker at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She has also worked in sales at Mountain Warehouse and Pacific Sunwear, gaining diverse experience across different sectors.
Professional Experience
Shannon Driess has accumulated significant experience in engineering and process improvement roles across various industries. Prior to her current position at Cascades, she worked as a Process Engineer in Training at Cascades and as a Chemical Engineering Intern at Zodiac Aerospace. Additionally, she served as a Process Engineering Co-op at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. Her experience includes working on cross-functional teams, which has enhanced her problem-solving skills and ability to manage intricate processes. Driess has demonstrated a commitment to product quality by investigating customer complaints and coordinating trials to improve product outcomes.
Interests and Activities
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Shannon Driess enjoys engaging in outdoor activities. Her interests include riding horses, hiking, kayaking, camping, and jet skiing. These activities reflect her appreciation for nature and active lifestyle, providing a balance to her engineering career.