Teresa Plumley Karjala ’87, a Michigan Tech chemical engineering alumna, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Karjala is recognized for her leadership in the field of polyolefin production development, production, and commercialization. The NAE Class of 2026 will be formally inducted at the NAE Annual Meeting this fall.
“Being elected to the National Academy of Engineering is a great honor, and I am truly humbled to be elected to such an esteemed organization,” said Karjala. “This recognition reflects not only my individual contributions but also the collective efforts of the teams, collaborators, and mentors I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career.”
Karjala is a Senior R&D Fellow in the Packaging and Specialty Plastics division of Dow, Inc. She graduated from Michigan Tech in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and received her doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware in 1992.
Following her PhD, she began her career at Dow, where she now holds leadership roles in polyethylene materials science, new business development, and product design. She and her husband, Thomas Karjala ’87, who also earned his BS in chemical engineering at Tech, currently reside in Lake Jackson, Texas.
In addition to her technical leadership, Karjala has been a highly active contributor to intellectual property strategy and protection, with over 100 granted U.S. patents. Her expertise extends beyond invention to include patent development and defense, enforcement, and the interface between technology, law, and commercialization. She is a Society of Plastics Engineers Fellow and a member of the Michigan Tech Chemical Engineering External Advisory Board.
Her other awards and honors include two R&D 100 Awards, an Edison Award, an American Chemical Society Award for Team Innovation, and the Michigan Tech Presidential Council of Alumnae Award. In 2025, she was inducted into the Chemical Engineering Academy, which recognizes Michigan Tech graduates who have distinguished themselves in their profession and made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of their discipline.
“My time at Michigan Tech laid a strong foundation for my career by providing an outstanding education, meaningful research and internship opportunities, and consistent support within a rigorous curriculum,” said Karjala. “Through my continued engagement with Michigan Tech via the Chemical Engineering External Advisory Board, the Presidential Council of Alumnae, and interactions with students, I see that the University’s commitment to technical excellence, support, and community has not only endured but continues to thrive.”
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