Rico Ruffino

Rico Ruffino is an Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University's College of Natural Resources. He specializes in sustainable product development and industrial design, focusing on human-centered approaches and advanced materials technology.

His professional roles include teaching courses such as Principles of Sustainable Product Development and Product Visualization, as well as leading the Sustainable Product Development Capstone. Ruffino established the Sustainable Design and Testing Service Center to assist industries in developing eco-friendly products and is creating a sustainable materials technology design lab within the Hodges Wood Products Facility. This lab emphasizes reducing resource waste through advanced technologies.

He actively collaborates with industry groups like the Industrial Design Society of America and the Sustainable Furnishings Council to advance sustainability in the furnishings sector. While no specific grants or awards are mentioned, his work bridges academia and industry through applied research and educational initiatives.