Ericka Redmond

Ericka Redmond serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), where she directs the Paper, Packaging, and Beyond (PP&B) Laboratory. Her research program focuses on sustainable solutions in paper and bioprocess engineering, with core initiatives spanning packaging systems, barrier technologies, process engineering, and novel biomaterial development.

Her research integrates forest products, biorefinery concepts, and advanced biomaterials with emphasis on nanocellulose applications, renewable packaging, and lignin chemistry. The PP&B Laboratory develops biosolutions for diverse industrial sectors through fundamental studies of cellulose nanocrystals, microfibrillated cellulose, and renewable barrier coatings, aligning with circular economy principles and sustainable resource utilization.

Analysis of her publication portfolio reveals a consistent research trajectory centered on pulp and paper technology, particularly lignin-carbohydrate complex quantification, biorefinery process optimization, and nanocellulose applications. Key thematic threads include kraft pulping chemistry (especially for eucalyptus), analytical method development for biomass components, and scalable production of renewable materials for packaging applications.

Professor Redmond currently mentors four graduate students: Renato Damasio (PhD), Mayara Felix Santana (PhD), Tao Huang (PhD), and Man Liu (MS), all specializing in Paper & Bioprocess Engineering. Their research encompasses active packaging development, nanocellulose production, and renewable barrier systems, reflecting the laboratory's industry-focused mission.

The PP&B Laboratory operates as a collaborative research hub within Walters Hall, engaging in pre-competitive partnerships with global pulp and paper companies. The team focuses on scaling laboratory innovations to industrial applications, particularly in nanocellulose production and renewable barrier implementation, while advancing biorefinery concepts for integrated biomass utilization.