David Savastano, Editor05.20.19
When Dr. Juanita M. Parris graduated from McGill University, she followed a friend who had found a position at Sun Chemical. After joining Sun Chemical in 1993, Dr. Parris began working with industry-leading scientists, who helped her forge her own path.
“A friend who I had done my master’s with had relocated from Montreal to New Jersey and was working in the coldset group,” recalled Dr. Parris, who is now global director of application & material, analytical, polymer and color for Sun Chemical. “I learned about an opening in the basic science group that used various physical chemistry techniques to solve problems. I joined Sun Chemical and the basic science group where I was exposed to every printing process and ink and coating formulations.
“I was fortunate to work closely with two highly knowledgeable and experienced industry leaders, Dr. Krishnan and Bob Bassemir. In that group we probed problems using techniques such as rheology, microscopy and surface science. Using feedback from our testing, formulations would be modified and tested on commercial presses. This meant I was able to see the printing process over several stages, from raw material selection to lab testing and ending with successful commercial trials. I would work on gravure cylinder banding of publication gravure inks one week and ink/water balance of UV offset inks the next week.”
From those early days, Dr. Parris has become an industry leader in her own right. Her work in energy curable inks has led to several key innovations, including wet trapping of energy beam flexo inks and the introduction of a variety of new technologies in the field. Parris has three granted US patents and 13 patents pending.
“The biggest highlight of my career is that I get to work with amazing and committed people – many who have dedicated their entire career to the graphic arts,” Dr. Parris said. “What struck me immediately when I joined Sun Chemical was that everyone was very supportive and took the time to explain the industry and printing process. One highlight was going on my first press trial after working with the company for a few months. It was the Harris M3000 press in New Hampshire where we ran an ink designed to run at 3000 fpm.”
Dr. Parris counts her family and colleagues as key influences on her life and career.
“I have learned so much from so many people,” she said. “My biggest influencers are my family. My parents set the foundation and taught me the value of work hard (nothing worth having is easy), admitting and learning from your mistakes (that is how you grow), and most importantly, respecting others (you give it to get it). These guideposts continue to serve me well. My husband and daughters continue to encourage, support and understand the countless missed dinners and lost weekends.
“At Sun Chemical, there are several people who influenced me,” Dr. Parris added. “The late Bob Bassemir was my mentor, coach and friend and always found the time to answer questions, point me in the right direction and offer advice. Dr. Krishnan, who continues to share his insight, expertise and knowledge, drives things forward and connects the dots. The late Dr. John Rooney saw something in me from the beginning and encouraged me to move out of my comfort zone, many times. Russ Schwartz, who continues to challenge me and the way we look at things. Jeannette Truncellito and Dr. Greg Pace are true friends who make those crazy days not so crazy.”
Outside of Sun Chemical, Dr. Parris has served NPIRI for a number of years, currently serving as its president. She also was a TAGA program committee chair, and contributes to RadTech, and the Annual International Water Borne, High-Solids and Powder Coatings Symposium.
“Juanita Parris is one of the most versatile people with whom I have ever worked,” said Schwartz, who is Sun Chemical’s CTO. “Her extensive knowledge in the printing ink field enables her to direct polymer development, analytical services, process development and Sun Chemical’s Carlstadt pressroom, while participating in numerous industry activities.”
“Juanita is my longtime friend and colleague, and I love her innovative spirit,” said Lisa Fine of Ink Systems, Inc. “Her energy and drive galvanize other folks, and it has always been a pleasure to work with her in committees or on projects as a result. Analytical, passionate, motivated, and forward-thinking: these adjectives summarize why, in all senses of the word, she is truly a pioneer!”
Dr. Parris noted that the ink industry has changed much through the years.
“In the early 1990s, many were talking about digital replacing publication,” Dr. Parris said. “Press speeds were increasing and converters were focused on waste reduction and faster make-ready. Consolidation in the ink industry was growing, the number of magazines increased, and consumers were buying more prepared and fast food. Today the market continues to consolidate but we spend a lot of time on raw material shortages, safety reclassification, regulatory constraints and increased awareness of consumer safety. More customers are demanding sustainable solutions.”
Outside of work, Dr. Parris enjoys reading, photography and spending time finding interesting restaurants with her husband Winston and their two daughters.
Dr. Parris said she is pleased and honored to receive the Pioneer Ink Award.
“I join a distinguished group of past recipients,” Dr. Parris added. “I congratulate and admire my fellow recipients and look forward to the future of the ink industry. I would like to extend a special thanks to Russ Schwartz, CTO at Sun Chemical, and the NAPIM Board for selecting me. I am fortunate to love what I do.”
“A friend who I had done my master’s with had relocated from Montreal to New Jersey and was working in the coldset group,” recalled Dr. Parris, who is now global director of application & material, analytical, polymer and color for Sun Chemical. “I learned about an opening in the basic science group that used various physical chemistry techniques to solve problems. I joined Sun Chemical and the basic science group where I was exposed to every printing process and ink and coating formulations.
“I was fortunate to work closely with two highly knowledgeable and experienced industry leaders, Dr. Krishnan and Bob Bassemir. In that group we probed problems using techniques such as rheology, microscopy and surface science. Using feedback from our testing, formulations would be modified and tested on commercial presses. This meant I was able to see the printing process over several stages, from raw material selection to lab testing and ending with successful commercial trials. I would work on gravure cylinder banding of publication gravure inks one week and ink/water balance of UV offset inks the next week.”
From those early days, Dr. Parris has become an industry leader in her own right. Her work in energy curable inks has led to several key innovations, including wet trapping of energy beam flexo inks and the introduction of a variety of new technologies in the field. Parris has three granted US patents and 13 patents pending.
“The biggest highlight of my career is that I get to work with amazing and committed people – many who have dedicated their entire career to the graphic arts,” Dr. Parris said. “What struck me immediately when I joined Sun Chemical was that everyone was very supportive and took the time to explain the industry and printing process. One highlight was going on my first press trial after working with the company for a few months. It was the Harris M3000 press in New Hampshire where we ran an ink designed to run at 3000 fpm.”
Dr. Parris counts her family and colleagues as key influences on her life and career.
“I have learned so much from so many people,” she said. “My biggest influencers are my family. My parents set the foundation and taught me the value of work hard (nothing worth having is easy), admitting and learning from your mistakes (that is how you grow), and most importantly, respecting others (you give it to get it). These guideposts continue to serve me well. My husband and daughters continue to encourage, support and understand the countless missed dinners and lost weekends.
“At Sun Chemical, there are several people who influenced me,” Dr. Parris added. “The late Bob Bassemir was my mentor, coach and friend and always found the time to answer questions, point me in the right direction and offer advice. Dr. Krishnan, who continues to share his insight, expertise and knowledge, drives things forward and connects the dots. The late Dr. John Rooney saw something in me from the beginning and encouraged me to move out of my comfort zone, many times. Russ Schwartz, who continues to challenge me and the way we look at things. Jeannette Truncellito and Dr. Greg Pace are true friends who make those crazy days not so crazy.”
Outside of Sun Chemical, Dr. Parris has served NPIRI for a number of years, currently serving as its president. She also was a TAGA program committee chair, and contributes to RadTech, and the Annual International Water Borne, High-Solids and Powder Coatings Symposium.
“Juanita Parris is one of the most versatile people with whom I have ever worked,” said Schwartz, who is Sun Chemical’s CTO. “Her extensive knowledge in the printing ink field enables her to direct polymer development, analytical services, process development and Sun Chemical’s Carlstadt pressroom, while participating in numerous industry activities.”
“Juanita is my longtime friend and colleague, and I love her innovative spirit,” said Lisa Fine of Ink Systems, Inc. “Her energy and drive galvanize other folks, and it has always been a pleasure to work with her in committees or on projects as a result. Analytical, passionate, motivated, and forward-thinking: these adjectives summarize why, in all senses of the word, she is truly a pioneer!”
Dr. Parris noted that the ink industry has changed much through the years.
“In the early 1990s, many were talking about digital replacing publication,” Dr. Parris said. “Press speeds were increasing and converters were focused on waste reduction and faster make-ready. Consolidation in the ink industry was growing, the number of magazines increased, and consumers were buying more prepared and fast food. Today the market continues to consolidate but we spend a lot of time on raw material shortages, safety reclassification, regulatory constraints and increased awareness of consumer safety. More customers are demanding sustainable solutions.”
Outside of work, Dr. Parris enjoys reading, photography and spending time finding interesting restaurants with her husband Winston and their two daughters.
Dr. Parris said she is pleased and honored to receive the Pioneer Ink Award.
“I join a distinguished group of past recipients,” Dr. Parris added. “I congratulate and admire my fellow recipients and look forward to the future of the ink industry. I would like to extend a special thanks to Russ Schwartz, CTO at Sun Chemical, and the NAPIM Board for selecting me. I am fortunate to love what I do.”
