Chip Tonkin, Ph.D.

Director
Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design & Graphics

Chip Tonkin, Ph.D., is the Chair of the Department of Graphic Communications and Director of the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design & Graphics. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Industrial Education in Graphic Communications and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Clemson University, and was in the packaging and printing industry for almost 15 years at International Paper before joining Clemson University to launch the Sonoco Institute. This move from industry was a unique opportunity to create an environment that brought together multiple academic disciplines with engaged industry partners to drive innovative packaging development, greatly expand student and faculty opportunities and act as a catalyst for research into "game-changing" technologies. This combination of practical experience, strong technical background and broad exposure to diverse markets and customer voices gives him an unusual perspective in the graphics, print and packaging worlds.