Julia Shamshina

Dr. Julia Shamshina is an Assistant Professor at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI) within Texas Tech University's Department of Plant and Soil Science. Her career spans academic and industrial roles, including positions at McGill University, 525 Solutions, Inc., and Mari Signum Mid-Atlantic, LLC. She holds a Ph.D. in Organic Synthesis (2008) from the University of Alabama and completed postdoctoral work in Analytical Chemistry. Her research focuses on leveraging biopolymers like chitin and cellulose for sustainable materials, drug delivery systems, and industrial applications. Key achievements include developing ionic liquid-based chitin isolation processes, earning the 2011 NASA Tech Brief Award and the 2017 American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Challenge Award. Dr. Shamshina has authored over 100 publications, contributed to 13 book chapters, and holds 23 patents.

• Education: Ph.D. in Organic Synthesis (2008, University of Alabama)
• Affiliations: FBRI, Texas Tech; former roles at McGill University (Green Chemistry) and industry partnerships with NASA, US Air Force, and Novartis.

Her research interests emphasize biotechnology applications of biopolymers, advanced composites from bio-wastes, and sustainable separation strategies. Recent work includes novel chitin nanowhiskers production, antimicrobial coatings for textiles, and cellulose-based energy harvesting devices. She actively bridges academic innovation with industrial commercialization, notably through her role as CSO at 525 Solutions.

Grants & Funding: Secured ~$5M in federal, corporate, and foundation funding through 70+ proposals. Her lab focuses on scaling green technologies with a focus on lifecycle sustainability.

• Labs/Teams: FBRI at Texas Tech, collaborating on biomaterials, ionic liquids, and biorefinery processes.