Lokendra PalView profile
Professor
Dr. Lokendra Pal is the EJ Woody Rice Professor and University Faculty Scholar in Sustainable Materials/Paper Science and Engineering at NC State University's Department of Forest Biomaterials. He leads research in bio-based materials, smart manufacturing, and energy innovation, with 23+ years of global industry experience. His lab focuses on decarbonizing forest/waste industries through electrification and AI-driven smart manufacturing. He directs NC State's Paper Pilot Plant-Smart Manufacturing Center and co-founded the Tissue Pack Innovation Lab (TPIL). Education: Ph.D. in Paper and Imaging Science (Western Michigan University). Awards include NC State Faculty Scholar (2021), TAPPI Fellow (2021), and University Outstanding Teacher Award (2022). Professional roles include leadership in TAPPI, ACS, and AIChE. Research Interests: Sustainable bioproducts, nanomaterials, barrier coatings, 3D printing, smart manufacturing systems, and AI/ML integration. Current projects address waste-to-energy conversion, lignocellulose dewatering, and crop protection via biodegradable matrices. Grants: Over $10M in funding from USDA, DOE, and industry consortia for projects like AI-enabled MSW analysis, hemp valorization, and smart manufacturing platforms. Key initiatives include USDA-funded biomass conversion and DOE-backed smart manufacturing innovation. Labs/Teams: Leads the Pal Research Group and collaborates with industry partners through APPTI, CESMII, and EPICX. Active in global projects like the 'Wrap & Plant' nematode control technology for African agriculture.









