While Gorgi Pavlov’s ’14 ’18G was growing up in Macedonia, Lehigh was never on his radar. But fate had other plans. After hearing about the university from a friend in high school, he decided to apply and pursue a degree in engineering.
Once on campus, Pavlov wasted no time building connections. It was through those relationships — and with the encouragement of Kemal Tuzla, a professor who recognized his curiosity and potential — that he learned about the Iacocca Internship. More than an opportunity to work abroad, the program represented the chance to apply his education on a global scale and test himself in an unfamiliar environment.
The destination? China.
For several months, Pavlov interned with 3M China, a billion-dollar manufacturing company, where he was embedded in high-stakes projects. He worked in the Purification division, focusing on 3M LifeAssure sterile filtration membranes used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. His work involved validation testing, including bacterial retention, bubble point analysis, extractables and leachables studies, and forward flow testing — all critical quality control measures in sterile drug product manufacturing.
Throughout the internship, Pavlov worked with local teams in Mandarin-supported English environments and gained firsthand insight into Chinese business culture. The team was excellent, the projects meaningful, and the experience helped shape him into a confident, capable professional.
“The things I learned there I still use to this day,” he says. “I met with clients, educated them on methods, and worked internally with U.S. partners to determine the best course of action on projects. That kind of experience, especially so early in your career, can’t be understated.”
Beyond the workplace, Pavlov immersed himself in the local culture. He visited historical sites, learned to navigate Shanghai's metro system, and even tried soup dumplings for the first time.
Pavlov went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in chemical engineering, but the trajectory set by the Iacocca Internship continued to shape his path. As a student, he founded the LU Diplomats club and later served as the graduate student speaker at the 2018 Commencement ceremony. Since graduation, he’s remained deeply engaged with Lehigh as an active member of the Lehigh Alumni Association Board.
Today, Pavlov has come full circle — returning to Lehigh as a faculty member.
He now incorporates his international experience into his Biotechnology courses, using examples from his internship to illustrate validation methodologies, sterile manufacturing considerations, regulatory requirements, and other topics directly relevant to students pursuing pharmaceutical careers.
“It’s really exciting to bring new industry information into the classroom,” he says. “Going from a student, to a Ph.D. teaching assistant, to a faculty member was a journey. It’s really rewarding to hear positive feedback from my students and watch them achieve their goals.”
Much like the professor who once encouraged him, Pavlov champions the Iacocca Internship as a transformative experience for his students. Beyond sharing his own story, he actively coaches students through interviews and professional interactions, helping them prepare for both the application process and the realities of working abroad.
When reflecting on the impact of the internship, Pavlov emphasizes the resilience it builds.
“It teaches students to work through challenges differently,” he says. “They’re in a completely different country that might be a little foreign to them at first, but they learn to adapt and apply their Lehigh education in ways that really matter.”
“Lehigh and the Iacocca Internship fundamentally shaped my career trajectory,” Pavlov adds. “Working on pharmaceutical-grade membrane validation at 3M gave me hands-on experience that became the foundation for my Ph.D. research and current industry work. Now, as faculty, I have the privilege of encouraging my students to pursue these same transformative opportunities. The program doesn't just teach technical skills — it builds the cultural intelligence and adaptability that define successful global professionals.”
Outside the classroom, Pavlov enjoys skiing, traveling, and baking. He’s even brought his love of sourdough into teaching, crafting a quiz question around the fermentation process of a starter.
“Everyone's path is different,” he says. “Doing an internship is hard, and doing one internationally is even harder because of the different culture, bank accounts, accommodations, language, and living in a new country. But it’s a new beginning. And once you accomplish that? Everything else seems easier in comparison.”
