Members
Meet Our Team
| Avisekh Kumar, Ph.D. Student, 2024 Research Focus: Smart Conveyor Systems and FEA Simulations | |
 | Rakshit Kumar, Ph.D. Student, 2023 Research Focus: Lifecycle Analysis of MSW Plastics Fraction |
 | Summia Rahman, Ph.D. Student, 2023 Research Focus: MSW Characterization for PFAS Contamination and Environmental Persistence |
 | Lokesh Kumar, Ph.D. Student, 2023 Research Focus: Cellulose Crystallinity and Packaging Development |
 | Aditya Sarker, Ph.D. Student, 2023 Research Focus: Real-Time Spectroscopic/Image Analysis of Plastics and Valorization |
 | Mariangeles Salas, Ph.D. Student, 2023 Research Focus: AI-enabled Smart Conveyor System for Real-time Characterization of MSW |
 | Aakash Upadhyay, Ph.D. Student, 2023 Research Focus: Mechanical Modifications of Cellulosic Fibers and Coating Development. |
 | Maria Gonzalez, Ph.D. Student, 2023 Research Focus: Enhance Press Dewatering Through Electromechanical Technologies, Co-Chair: Dr. Richard Venditti |
 | Moumita Dey, Ph.D. Student, 2022 Research Focus: Biobased Coatings for Hygiene and Packaging |
 | Munmun Basak, Ph.D. Student, 2022 Research Focus: Understanding of Industrial Hemp Agronomy, Fiber and Biopolymer Synthesis and Ground Covers Development, Co-Chair: Dr. Lucian Lucia |
 | Lucille Verster, Ph.D. Student, 2022 Research Focus: Unravel Degradation Modalities of Synthetic and Bio-based Polymer Fiber Nonwovens, Co-Chair: Dr. Orlin Velev |
 | Naimul Haque, Ph.D. Student, 2021 Research Focus: MSW Characterization and Valorization of Paper Fractions, Co-Chair: Dr. Hasan Jameel |
 | Kazi Arafat, Ph.D. Student, 2021 Research Focus: Hemp fibers-based molded packaging and hygiene products, Co-Chair: Dr. Lucian Lucia |
 | Nelson Barrios, Ph.D. Student, 2021 Research Focus: Decarbonizing Paper Manufacturing: Integrating Biocatalysts – Computational and Experimental Approaches, Co-Chair: Dr. Richard Venditti |
 | Mrittika Debnath, Ph.D. Student, 2019 Research Focus: Agro-residue and recycled fibers-based flexible packaging materials, Co-Chair: Dr. Martin Hubbe |
 | Raghul Thiyagarajan, M.S. Student, 2023 Research Focus: Techno-economic Analysis of MSW, Co-Chair- Dr. Yuan Shin Lee |
 | Dr. Karthik Ananth Mani, Postdoctoral Researcher, 2023 Research Focus: Physiochemical modifications of lignocellulose and packaging development |
 | Dr. Stephen Agwuncha, Postdoctoral Researcher, 2023 Research Focus: Testing and Advanced Characterization Techniques Development |
 | Dr. Raman Rao, Postdoctoral Researcher, 2023 Research Focus: MSW characterization, Food and Textiles Valorization |
 | Dr. Sharmita Bera, Postdoctoral Researcher, 2023 Research Focus: Cellulose/nanocellulose chemistry and modifications |
 | Dr. Samaher Salem, Visiting Scholar, 2022 Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka |
 | Dr. José G. Parra, Visiting Scholar, 2022 Lab. de Química Computacional (QUIMICOMP), Bárbula-Venezuela |
 | Lucy Jones, REU, 2023 Research Focus: WARM Workshop |
 | Shirin Mohamed, REU, 2023 Research Focus: Biopolymers Processing |
 | Allen Stockburger, REU, 2023 Research Focus: Cellulose Dewatering |
 | Tj Ferry, REU, 2022 Research Focus: Smart Conveyor System |
 | Emma Gandy, REU, 2022 Research Focus: Recycling and Waste Valorization |
 | Isabella Teza, REU, 2022 Research Focus: Repulpability and Recyclability Testing |
 | Nick Burrows, REU, 2022 Research Focus: Waste Processing and Analysis |
Past Members
| Roman Sarder, Ph.D., 2023, Senior Research Scientist at WestRock Company Dissertation: Sustainable Fibers from Alternative Resources, Modifications, and Biopolymers for Food Packaging, Coatings, and Composite Manufacturing, Co-chair: Dr. Lucian Lucia | |
| Moumita Nanjiba, M.S., 2023 Research Scientist at WestRock Company Thesis: Development of Sustainable Packaging Materials from Wood Residues, Co-Chair: Dr. Lucian Lucia | |
| Vasudev Sethuraman, M.S, 2023, Process Engineer at Dish Networks, Thesis: Topology Optimization of Fiber-Based Paper Plates using computer-aided design and Finite Elemental Analysis. Co-Chair: Dr. Yuan Shin Lee | |
| Kamlesh Pandey, M.S., 2023, Digital Solution Engineer, Buckman Thesis: Data-Driven Modeling, Data Collection, and Energy Management in Paper Drying Process, Co-Chair: Dr. Yuan Shin Lee | |
| Jonathan Simis, REU, 2023, FB- PSE WARM Workshop | |
| Josh Carter, REU, 2023, FB- PSE Research: Paper/Packaging Testing | |
| Jade Williamson, REU, 2023, FB- PSE Research: Paper Waste Characterization | |
| Seth Laney, REU, 2023, Environmental Sciences, Research: Plastics Waste Characterization and Imaging | |
| Jenna Haskell, REU, 2023, Environmental Sciences Research: Data Repository | |
| David Perry, REU, 2023, FB- PSE Research: Recycling/Paper Testing | |
| Eli Rodrigues, REU, 2023, FB- PSE Research:Food Waste Characterization | |
| Luke Oates, REU, 2022-2023, FB- PSE Research: Fiber Dewatering | |
| Cori Sutton, REU, 2022, FB- PSE Research: Agro-based fibers Development | |
| Erin Walter, REU, 2022, FB, SMT Research: Alternative Packaging Development | |
| Autumn-Sky Williams, REU, 2022, FB, SMT Research: Hemp-Based Bioproducts | |
| Kaya Kusmierczuk, REU, 2022, FB- PSE Research: Bioplastics | |
| Ashley Hunsucker, REU, 2022, Research: Environmental Sciences, Carbon Sequestration Analysis | |
| Allan Berduo, REU, 2022, FB- PSE Research: Imaging of Solid Waste | |
| Lydia Walston, REU, 2022, FB- PSE Research: Imaging and Spectroscopic Analysis | |
| Sydney Crush, REU, 2022, FB- PSE Research: Polymer Color Measurement | |
| Iggy Senchak, REU, 2022, FB- PSE Research: Smart Manufacturing- Data Historian | |
| Eduardo Sanchez, REU, 2022, FB- PSE Research: Sustainable Packaging and Drying | |
| Thomas Echelberger, REU, 2022, FB- PSE Research: Dewatering of Cellulosic Fibers | |
| Madilynn Smith, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher, 2021 – 2022 Working as Chemistry Teaching Lab Manager, Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State Research: | |
| Heather Starkey, Ph.D., 2022 Research Scientist at Monadnock Paper Mills Dissertation: Development and Application of Lignin Containing Micro-and Nano-Fibrillated Cellulose for Sustainable Packaging Solutions. Co-chair: Dr. Hasan Jameel | |
| Ayomikun Olarinoye, M.S., 2022, Process Engineer at ND Paper Thesis: Benchmarking of Foodservice Products for Sustainable Development and Development of Rigidity, Bacon and Hot Oil Tests. Co-Chair: Dr. Marty Hubbe | |
| Yunhao Zhang, M.S., Spring 2022 Joined Ph.D. Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Thesis: Smart Manufacturing: The Implementation of Industry 4.0 and Energy Management for Paper Industry, Co-Chair: Dr. Yuan-Shin Lee | |
| Victoria Kelly, REU, FB- SMT, 2021-2023 Research: Chemical Technology of Alternative Fibers | |
| Aiden Stewart, REU, Summer 2021 Research: Integration of smart tools and sensors in paper pilot machine, Co-Mentor: Dr. Byrd | |
| Nicole Hamm, REU, Summer 2021 Research: Paper characterization and molded packaging | |
| Gurcan Guler, Ph.D., 2021 – 2022 Faculty at Isparta University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Forestry Isparta/Turkey | |
| Samaher Salem, Ph.D., Spring 2021 Faculty at University of Dhaka Dissertation: The Dynamics of Cellulose-Water Interactions from the Nanoscale to the Macroscale to Unravel its Effects on Fiber and Paper Properties, Co-Chair: Dr. Lucian Lucia | |
| Monika Mali, Independent Study, Spring 2021 M.S. in Textile Engineering and Science Research Topic Research: Understanding Binding of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds With Cellulosic Based Fibers and Wipes, Co-mentor: Dr. Mathur | |
| Trevor Hinshaw, REU, Summer and Fall 2020, Spring 2021 Research: Develop Digital Twin Model of Pilot Paper Machine | |
| Rukmini Arcot, REU, Summer 2020 & Teaching Assistant, Spring 2021 Research: Multivariate Analysis and Modeling of Big Data from Paper Machine | |
| Remington Hough, REU, Fall 2020 & Spring 2021 Research: Study of Lignocellulose Fibers Pressing and Dewatering | |
| Seanna Miller, REU, Summer & Fall 2020, Spring 2021 Research: Solutions for Invasion of Single-Use Plastics and Microplastics in Everyday Life | |
| James Lewis, REU, Summer 2020 Research: Prospect of Industrial Hemp Valorization in US | |
| Heaven Davis, REU, Summer and Fall 2020, Spring 2021 Research: Advances in Feminine Hygiene Products Sustainability and Test Methodology | |
| Kaitlyn Pittman, REU, Summer and Fall 2020 Modify Paper-Based Packaging Surfaces to Repel Coronavirus | |
| Kathryn Clayson, REU, Summer and Fall 2020 Research: The Trash Tragedy: Overcoming the Major Obstacles in Solid Waste Management | |
| Tyler Warlow, REU, Summer and Fall 2020 Research: Study Paper-Based Packaging Surfaces and Environmental Interactions to Develop Anti-Coronavirus Packages | |
| Xiaohang Sun, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher, 2016- 2020, Faculty at Sun Yat-sen University Research in cellulose derivatives, hydrogel-based sensing materials, plasma chemistry, barrier coatings, modeling, and flexible electronics | |
| Joseph Gutierrez, M.S., Fall 2020 Joined Ph.D. Program at NC State University Thesis: Evaluation and Characterization of Biopolymers to Reduce the Usage of Synthetic Polymers in Single-use Disposable Materials, Coating, and Packaging, Co-Chair: Dr. Richard Venditti | |
| Ahsen Bildik Dal, Ph.D., Visiting Faculty, 2020 Faculty at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Research Information System Research: Hydrophobic Surface Treatment Additives for Paper and Packaging, Co-Host: Dr. Martin Hubbe | |
| Sachin Agate, Ph.D., Fall 2019 Working at Mars Wrigley Dissertation: Advances in Biomaterials for Flexible Electronics and Optics, Co-Chair: Dr. Lucian Lucia | |
| Preeti Tyagi, Ph.D., Summer 2019 Working at Mars Wrigley Dissertation: Nanocellulose-based Sustainable Barrier and Antimicrobial Coatings, Co-Chair: Dr. Martin Hubbe | |
| Hao Zang, Ph.D., Visiting Faculty, 2018-2019 Faculty Henan University of Engineering Research: Cellulose and nanocellulose-based conductive composites for functional and flexible sensors/electronics, Co-Host: Dr. Martin Hubbe | |
| Michael Joyce, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher, 2016 – 2018 Working at Reynolds American Inc. Research: Biobased barrier coatings and novel drying systems for food packaging and applications. | |
| Shuai Lee, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher, 2017, Working at Fiberstar, Inc. Research: Sustainable high lignin containing coated release liner papers and coatings | |
| Yuanyuan Yin, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar, 2017 Lecturer at Qingdao University Research: Lipase-catalyzed cellulose nanocrystal-laurate esters embedded in PLA, Co-Host: Dr. Martin Hubbe | |
| Peter Gough, REU 2020, PSE Research: Process Intelligence for Enhanced Worker Safety | |
| Tanner Evans, REU 2020, PSE Research: Multivariate Data Analysis and Modeling, Co-mentor: Dr. Byrd | |
| John Bedard, REU 2020, PSE Research: IIoT Technologies for Pilot Plant Testbeds | |
| Kyle Broadbelt, REU 2020, PSE Research: Industry 4.0 Technological Advances | |
| Devin Wyatt, REU 2020, PSE Research: Review of Facemasks Technologies | |
| Michael Tozer, REU 2020, PSE Research: Antimicrobial Technologies for Food Packaging | |
| Bennett Surreett, REU 2020, PSE Research: Discrete & Sustainable Hygiene Products | |
| Mason Broadway, REU 2020-2021, PSE Research:Hemp Techno-Economic Analysis | |
| Peter Janecek, REU 2020, PSE Research: Single Use Plastics Environmental Remediation | |
| Michael Litavecz, REU 2020, Forest Biomaterials Research: Eco-friendly Materials for 3D Printing | |
| Alisha Spradlin, COT-TATM 2020 Research: Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, Sustainable Developments in Feminine Hygiene, Co-mentor: Dr. Mathur | |
| Ian Peterson, REU 2019-2020, PSE Research: Data Archiving, co-mentored with Dr. Byrd | |
| Nick Starrett, REU 2019, PSE Research: Nanocellulose Production form Mill Sludge Waste | |
| Allison Brame, REU 2019, PSE Research: Paper Straws Testing, Co-mentor: Dr. Venditti | |
| Ameer Desilva, REU 2019, PSE Research: Lignocellulosic Composites Development, Co-mentor: Dr. Argyropoulos | |
| Kadin Peterman, Provost’s Professional Experience 2019, PSE Research: Functional Coatings | |
| Tressa Glackin Provost’s Professional Experience 2019, PSE Research: Banana Paper Development | |
| Abhiram Kondagunta, REU 2019, PSE Research: 3D Printing of Biomaterials | |
| Erik Dahlgren, REU 2019, PSE Research: Data Analytics and AI | |
| Anvita Panajkar, REU 2019, PSE Research: Lignin-containing Paper Coatings | |
| Andrew McKee, REU 2019, PSE Research: Functional Papers Development | |
| Austin Batchelor REU 2019, PSE Research: PM Upgrades, Co-mentor: Dr. Byrd | |
| Brandon Sanchez, REU 2019, PSE Research: PM Upgrades, Co-mentored: Dr. Byrd | |
| Chris Johnson, REU 2019, PSE Research: Light Weight Packaging Paper Development, Co-mentor: Dr. Jameel | |
| Matthew Klassa, REU 2019, PSE Research: 3D Printing of Biobased Materials | |
| Aitana Blevins REU 2018, PSE Research: Banana Fiber and Paper Development | |
| Austin Stallings, REU 2018, PSE Research: Tissue and Towels Products Development | |
| Riley Webb, REU 2018, PSE Research: Papermachine Rebuild, Co-mentor: Dr. Byrd | |
| William Maier, REU 2018, Forest Biomaterials Research: Dynamic Handsheet Forming | |
| Ethan Schwartz, REU 2018, PSE Research: Lignocellulose-based Cement Composites Development, Co-mentor: Dr. Argyropoulos | |
| Sharmita Dixit, REU 2018, Biology Research: DNA Extraction Process | |
| Michael Alcivar, REU 2018, Forest Biomaterials Research: Nanocellulose Dust, Co-mentor: Dr. Lucia | |
| Audra Chenoweth, REU 2018, PSE Research: Nanocellulose Applications in Packaging, Co-mentor: Dr. Jameel | |
| Aiden Royals, REU 2018, PSE Research: Paper Straw Testing Methodology | |
| Mathew Frink, REU 2017-2018, PSE Research: Flexible Electronics Printing | |
| Thomas Keeshan, REU 2017-2018, PSE Research: Flexible Electronics Paper | |
| Nikos Castillo, REU 2017, PSE Research: Paper Characterization | |
| Jeffery Hunter, REU 2017-2018, PSE Research: Paper and Coating Testing | |
| Kable Young, REU 2016, PSE, Research: Tissue Paper Making, Co-mentor: Dr. Lucia | |
| Kimberly Abrams, REU 2016, PSE Research: Paper Coating | |
| Michael Brown, REU 2016 & 2018, PSE Research: Nanocellulose-based Inks | |
| Bailey Tebou, REU 2016, Forest Biomaterials Research: Bio-based Materials for 3D Printing |