Joel J. Pawlak

Dr. Joel J. Pawlak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University's College of Natural Resources. He holds expertise in material science and engineering of multiphase materials, focusing on porous fibrous web structures, natural super-absorbents, and biodegradation mechanisms. His research integrates interdisciplinary collaboration with microbiology and other departments, supported by ~$1 million in active grants.

Education: PhD from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse University). Professional experience includes a 2009 sabbatical at UNC Chapel Hill's Department of Biology and over 20 years at NC State since 2001.

Research interests emphasize sustainable biomass utilization, biodegradable materials, and nonwoven product innovation. Recent projects address biodegradation kinetics of polymers, textile waste valorization, and alternative fiber integration in hygiene products. He has authored numerous publications in CELLULOSE, BioResources, and other journals.

Awards: Syracuse University Scholar (1997), Edwin C. Jahn Fellowship, and Renata Marton Fellowship. Service roles include membership in the Research Triangle Environmental Health Collaborative and University Partnership Council.

Teaching: Instructs undergraduate and graduate courses in forest biomaterials, plus continuing education for 750+ industry professionals. Active in curriculum development, including a VentureWell-funded biomass entrepreneurship program.

Key grants include $1.2M for Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) research and $150K from the Nonwovens Institute for aquatic biodegradation studies. Current projects explore moldable cotton composites, dust control in tissue production, and fique fiber commercialization.