Engineering Colorful Solutions: Michael Tito Manianchira’s Co-op Experience at Shepherd Color Company

In the agile world of chemical engineering, where theory meets hands-on innovation, Michael Tito Manianchira stands out. As a junior at the University of Cincinnati, Manianchira is not just hitting the books—he’s applying his knowledge in the real world through a co-op position at Shepherd Color Company, a leading manufacturer of complex inorganic color pigments (CICPs). His story highlights the seamless blend of academic rigor and practical experience that defines UC’s engineering programs.

UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science is renowned for its hands-on approach to education, particularly in chemical engineering. The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program equips students with expertise in designing and optimizing large-scale processes for producing everything from petrochemicals and plastics to pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. Through coursework in chemical reactions, separations, and environmental applications, students like Manianchira learn to tackle complex problems that drive modern industry. What sets UC apart is its Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program, which integrates paid work experiences into the curriculum, allowing students to alternate between classroom learning and professional roles. For chemical engineering majors, this means opportunities to land impactful jobs that shape their careers early on.

His co-op at Shepherd Color Company has been a game-changer. Based in West Chester, Ohio, near Cincinnati, Shepherd Color Company is a global leader in producing complex inorganic color pigments (CICPs), used in applications such as paints, coatings, plastics, and more. These pigments are known for their superior heat stability, lightfastness, and chemical resistance, making them ideal for demanding environments. Unlike organic pigments, CICPs are engineered ceramic colorants that withstand sunlight, chemicals, and high temperatures, often incorporating elements like copper, chromium, iron, nickel, titanium, zinc, and cobalt to achieve vibrant colors and performance.

At Shepherd Color Company’s facility, Manianchira focuses on process improvements and equipment upgrades rather than pure lab work. “A key project I worked on was improving the CPS rotary calciner’s temperature monitoring by installing a thermal camera,” he explains. “The system’s existing thermocouples weren’t working and weren’t giving reliable readings, so the only way to accurately get temperature data down the tube of the calciner at the time was using a portable IR camera every single time. I helped identify the issue and integrated a fixed camera that provided clear, real-time temperature data.” This project tied directly to chemical engineering principles, as accurate temperature control is essential for safe and consistent processing, optimizing the process and supporting better decision-making. Challenges included dealing with high-heat environments, reflections off metal walls, and a faulty cable, which he resolved by adjusting emissivity settings, repositioning the camera, and scaling data for integration into the PLC and Aspen system. “It gave me hands-on experience with instrumentation setup, calibration, and making sure the data is usable for operators.”

Manianchira also developed technical skills in operations, such as troubleshooting equipment like GEMCO blenders, AMS hoppers, kilns, and batching systems. He applied problem-solving to issues like flow problems, dust control, and ergonomics. In PLC tasks, he scaled raw sensor data for process tracking. His UC coursework in thermodynamics and material and energy balances prepared him well, aiding in P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) drafting, balancing calculations, CAPEX/OPEX (capital and operating expenses) estimates, and scale-up decisions for rare earth metals separation.

One notable challenge was troubleshooting recurring screen blowouts on a jet mill, which caused oversized particles, contamination, and downtime. “I reviewed the entire system and discovered that missing wear plates had widened the screen track, allowing excessive movement,” Manianchira recalls. The solution involved installing new housing and wear plates, expected to reduce blowouts, maintenance, and improve consistency.

Through his experience, Manianchira gained insights into the inorganic pigments industry, from raw material blending and calcination to particle reduction, washing, and packaging. He observed sustainable practices, such as process water filtration and dust collection systems that reduce waste and emissions while maintaining quality. “These experiences strengthened my interest in process engineering and showed me how chemical engineers can improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability,” he says.

Balancing school and work isn’t easy, but Manianchira credits UC’s structured co-op schedule for making it manageable. He alternates semesters between full-time classes and work, gaining credits and income. As an international student, he navigated cultural challenges by being open and respectful, which enhanced his flexibility. To perform effectively, he employs strategies like seeking feedback, managing time, and going above and beyond with innovative approaches. Challenges like troubleshooting have honed his skills. “Chemical engineering is all about turning raw materials into something valuable. At Shepherd Color Company, I’m part of that transformation.”

Looking ahead, Manianchira plans to graduate in 2027—though currently scheduled for 2028—by potentially taking classes next summer to accelerate his timeline, and pursue a career in sustainable materials development, possibly returning to Shepherd Color Company or exploring roles in advanced coatings. His story is a testament to how UC’s co-op program prepares students for the demands of industry while fostering partnerships with local companies like Shepherd Color Company. In a field where color and durability collide, Michael Tito Manianchira is painting a bright future.

Featured image at top: Manianchira with his mentor and co-worker, Meg. Photo/provided.