Chip Tonkin, Ph.D.

Chip Tonkin, Ph.D.

Chair of the Department of Graphic Communications and Director of the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design & Graphics
Clemson University

Dr. Chip Tonkin is the Chair of the Department of Graphic Communications and Director of the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design & Graphics. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, a MS in Graphic Communications and a PhD 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 practical research in printed electronics, color management, and packaging development workflow. 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.