Kevin Edgar is a Professor of Biomaterials and Bioprocessing and Director of the ICTAS Bio-Based Materials Center at Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Sustainable Biomaterials. With a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Duke University (1979) and a B.S. in Chemistry from Bucknell University (1975), he has established himself as a leading researcher in polysaccharide chemistry and sustainable biomaterials. Dr. Edgar's research focuses on designing and creating derivatives of natural polysaccharides to address demanding performance requirements, exploring structure-property-performance relationships for applications including drug-delivery systems, tissue engineering, biodegradable plastics, polymer compatibilization, hydrogels, and block copolymers. His work specifically targets novel methods to control and utilize the nanostructure of polysaccharides, with emphasis on regioselective substitution reactions of complex polysaccharides. He investigates how to effectively utilize natural polysaccharides to address societal needs, leveraging their diverse natural functions from structural support to information storage. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on hydrogel development, drug delivery systems, and polysaccharide modification techniques. His work spans fundamental chemistry of polysaccharides to applied pharmaceutical and medical applications, with particular emphasis on creating sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in regioselective synthesis methods and structure-property relationships of polysaccharide derivatives. 2023 Appointed to Virginia Tech Academy of Faculty Leadership 2022 Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor Award 2016 Anselme Payen Award for outstanding professional contributions to cellulose science 2010 Named Fellow of the ACS Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials 2009 Named Fellow of ACS (inaugural class of ACS Fellows) Dr. Edgar has mentored numerous graduate students through their Ph.D. and Master's research, with many receiving prestigious awards including multiple Eastman Awards for outstanding graduate students. His research has been supported by significant grants from NSF, USDA NIFA, and other funding agencies. He leads the ICTAS Bio-Based Materials Center and co-directs the Infectious Disease Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program, demonstrating strong leadership in interdisciplinary research. His lab actively develops sustainable biomaterials with applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and environmental health.









