• Fundamental understanding of the molecular scale composition and assembly of lignocellulosic materials and the relationship it has on desirable physical and chemical properties.
  
  
• Design and production of value added cellulosic nanocomposites and coatings. 
  
  
• Directed reassembly of cellulose fibers for material recovery and enhanced product performance.
  
  
• Extraction of cellulose and other components from lignocellulosic materials through chemical, biocatalytic, and biomimetic mechanisms.
  
  
• Development of new synthetic pathways for in-vivo and in-vitro production of plant polymers with novel properties and enhanced functionality.
  
  
• The use of cellulose as a biologically compatible material for tissue engineering and wound care.
  
  
• Understand marketing issues which would address existing products, industrial user perceptions, and potential opportunities (or gaps) in the marketplace for new and improved products.

 

Meet Prashanti (left), the first recipient of the Ph.D. Fellowship Program.

 

 

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