Lokendra Pal
LP
Bio
Dr. Lokendra Pal is the EJ Woody Rice Professor and University Faculty Scholar of Sustainable Materials/Paper Science and Engineering in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State University. Pal has over 23 years of global experience in the research and technological advancement of bio-based materials, as well as professional experience in managing and collaborating with industrial partners worldwide. Before joining NC State University, he spent 9 years at Hewlett-Packard Company. He has authored 70 peer-reviewed publications and co-invented 48 patents, showcasing his innovative contributions to the field. Dr. Pal earned his Ph.D. in Paper and Imaging Science and Engineering from Western Michigan University. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt. In 2021, he was honored as an NC State Faculty Scholar, recognizing his outstanding research contributions, excellence in teaching, student mentorship, and leadership within professional societies. He is a co-founder of the Tissue Pack Innovation Lab (TPIL) and serves as the director of NC State’s Paper Pilot Plant-Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center. Dr. Pal actively contributes to professional service for various organizations, including TAPPI, ACS, and AIChE. In recognition of his exceptional service to the industry and the association, he was honored as a TAPPI Fellow in 2021. Additionally, he received the University Outstanding Teacher Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2022. Dr. Pal is leading a significant initiative focused on decarbonizing the waste and forest products industry sectors by developing and implementing energy-efficient smart manufacturing (SM) and electrification technologies. This initiative is funded by the Manufacturing USA institutes, CESMII and EPICX, part of only seven institutes funded nationwide, and supported by an industry consortium through APPTI (The Alliance for Pulp & Paper Industry), USDA, and many other industrial partners. The Pal Research Group focuses on sustainable materials research and advanced manufacturing innovation, leveraging green and sustainable chemistry, engineering, and artificial intelligence/machine learning to deliver cutting-edge solutions in hygiene, smart packaging, barrier coatings, digital printing, and flexible electronics/3D printable materials and products that benefit society and positively impact the environment.
Area(s) of Expertise
Sustainable and Functional Bioproducts, Nanomaterials, Barrier Coatings and Composites, 3D Printing/Printed Electronics, Smart Manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning