BPI Seminar by Dr. Joel Pawlak

Cellulose's Fragile Existence

LOCATION: CHBE 202, 2360 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4

Agenda

• 2:00pm Intro by Dr. Orlando Rojas, BPI Scientific Director
• 2:05pm Keynote by Dr. Joel Pawlak, Associate Professor, NC State University
• 2:45pm Q&A

*Light refreshments will be provided.

Abstract

Cellulose is one of the most widely used natural polymers in modern society. From paper products and textiles to plastic composites, cellulose plays a critical role in everyday life. While this polymer is widely used, its physical properties and structures are still being explored. In this talk, Dr. Pawlak looks at the behaviors of fibril scale materials under dynamic humidity conditions. This work reveals some unexpected behaviors that may require additional thought when engineering cellulose into future products. In the second half of the talk, a detailed look at cellulose structure is undertaken using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). This thorough examination of the experimental technique calls into question our understanding of cellulose crystalline structure. 

About the Speaker

Dr. Joel Pawlak is a graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University. He received a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree from his alma mater in engineering. He joined the faculty at NC State in 2001 and has built a research program supporting numerous graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and scientists. Dr. Pawlak has more than 150 scientific communications to his name. His main research focus areas include natural materials engineering, paper physics, papermaking, and aquatic biodegradation of polymers. At NC State, he also teaches at the graduate and undergraduate level and serves as the Faculty Athletics Representative for the university.

In 2018, Dr. Pawlak co-founded Next Century Spirits with Scott Bolin. Next Century Spirits is a technology-enabled spirits company that uses patented filtering and finishing technology developed by Dr. Pawlak. The company employs more than 50 people, and its route-to-market team is strategically placed across the country. Next Century produces bulk spirits for shipment around the globe, as well as white-label products for clients and their brands. Dr. Pawlak has also worked as a consultant, sharing his experience in the field of paper physics and materials engineering with numerous clients.

Dr. Pawlak also likes to spend time along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. He recently published a fiction book called Salter’s Path, set in this location. Additionally, he enjoys extreme endurance events and recently completed his first ultramarathon.