Tula Puja
Tula Puja is a Laboratory Manager at Accu-Labs, working in the aerospace and defense metal finishing industry. She specializes in chemical analysis, quality control, and laboratory operations that support high-precision manufacturing. Her work focuses on root cause analysis, process improvement, and maintaining compliance with industry standards such as ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, NADCAP, and AS9100. She plays a key role in ensuring product quality, supporting technical troubleshooting for customers, and maintaining efficient lab and production systems.
Previously, Tula served for several years in laboratory leadership roles within aerospace-focused metal finishing operations, including Magnetic Inspection Laboratory. In those roles, she managed laboratory testing, oversaw chemical processing for finished aerospace components, and supported major defense and aerospace clients. Her experience spans both running end-product finishing operations and now developing and supplying the chemical solutions used in those processes, giving her a full-cycle perspective of the industry. She has also contributed to R&D initiatives and technical support for aerospace programs involving major industry partners.
Tula holds dual master’s degrees in Biochemistry and Business Administration from Benedictine University. She is a Certified Aerospace Finisher and has additional certification in wastewater systems. Her professional contributions include multiple successful aerospace audits with zero findings, recognition in the “40 Under 40” awards by Products Finishing, and leadership roles on industry boards such as NASF. She is known for combining scientific expertise with practical manufacturing knowledge, with a strong focus on quality, continuous improvement, and advancing standards in aerospace and chemical processing industries.
• Certified Aerospace Finisher (CAF)
• Benedictine University - M.S.
• Product Finishing 40 Under 40 (2024)
• NASF Chicago Midwest Chapter - Board of Directors
• Chemical Surface Finishing Foundation (CSFF) - Board of Directors
• Refuge for Women
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning in a constantly evolving industry. Earning my Certified Aerospace Finisher certification and completing four consecutive NACAP audits with zero findings were key milestones that strengthened my confidence and expertise. The intensive certification process, along with my dual master’s degrees in biochemistry and business administration from Benedictine University, provided a strong foundation, but it is the practical application of that knowledge that has been most impactful. Through experience, I developed a deep appreciation for the complexity of metal finishing—a field I discovered unexpectedly and have grown to value greatly.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that as a woman, I can excel in any field when I combine confidence with competence and let my results speak for themselves. This mindset pushed me to pursue and earn my Certified Aerospace Finisher certification and successfully complete four consecutive NACAP audits with zero findings. Those experiences reinforced that success comes from preparation, discipline, and consistently meeting high standards, regardless of industry expectations or gender stereotypes.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to pursue what you love and trust in your ability to succeed. Focus on building strong skills, staying consistent, and letting your work speak for itself. I’ve learned that women can thrive in technical fields, and being named a Product Finisher 40 Under 40 in 2024 reinforced that success comes from dedication, confidence, and continuous growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The industry is constantly evolving, which makes staying current with regulatory and audit requirements such as NACAP and ISO standards an ongoing challenge as well as an opportunity for growth and improvement. At the same time, there is a significant opportunity to increase representation and visibility of women in the field, which helps strengthen diversity, innovation, and leadership within the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are service, empowerment, and authenticity. I am especially committed to supporting and uplifting women, which I’ve done through seven years of volunteering with Refuge for Women and through my work with NASF and CSFF. Being part of these communities has been a full-circle experience and reflects my goal of inspiring and encouraging more women in STEM while contributing to meaningful change.