Building a Better Bioeconomy

From educating future leaders to supporting industry research, the Department of Forest Biomaterials is a full-service ecosystem advancing the future of biomaterials.

Looking ahead, our industry is experiencing a paradigm shift towards innovation. The Department of Forest Biomaterials is uniquely positioned to support these developments and to promote value-chain thinking.

Dr. Marko Hakovirta, Department Head

Our Services

Our faculty experts pioneer solutions to real-world industry challenges. As part of our land-grant mission, we provide testing and technical services to support industry advancements.

Undergraduate

Our undergraduate programs put classroom theories into practical hands-on action and train today's students to be tomorrow's sustainability leaders.

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Graduate

Our graduate programs emphasize hands-on research and close partnerships with industry that preparing students to become global industry leaders.

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Research

As a research powerhouse built on collaboration, our faculty and scholars are advancing the bioeconomy, developing novel biomaterials and increasing sustainability.

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2,000+ alumni globally

Including CEOs, senior executives and owners of major paper and pulp or wood products companies

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DEPARTMENT NEWS More News

Electron microscope image of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Mar 30, 2020

Antimicrobial Tissue Paper Could Help Fight the Spread of COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases

NC State researchers have developed a new tool that could someday help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases: antimicrobial tissue paper.

Nov 13, 2019

Jeff Reese: A Life of Devotion, a Legacy of Impact

Esteemed alumnus, Jeff Reese, died October 30, 2019, at the age of 56. An Ohio native, Reese graduated Summa Cum Laude from NC State University in 1985 with degrees in pulp and paper technology and chemical engineering. For more than 30-years, he was committed to the advancement of the pulp and paper industry and worked tirelessly…

Mar 24, 2020

Artificial Intelligence: A Game Changer for the Chemical Manufacturing Industry

A growing number of chemical manufacturers are exploring the use of artificial intelligence to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy efficiency of their operations.

Sep 13, 2019

Former NC State Professor Establishes Forest Biomaterials Lecture with $100K Donation

Dr. Richard Thomas, alumnus, former professor and department head in the College of Natural Resources, has generously donated $100,000 to establish an annual lecture in forest biomaterials.