Ph.D. student researchers currently engaged in The Nonwovens Institute’s (NWI’s) fundamental nonwovens research program will be presenting posters at the upcoming Techtextil North America Conference, August 4-6  at the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.  Four NWI student researchers are slated to showcase their work during the conference joining a number of their peers from academia to showcase the next generation of industry leadership.

Student researchers lead projects to create  fundamental knowledge

“Our student researchers are leading projects that are designed from the outset to create fundamental knowledge that supports the R&D efforts of industry and government research,” said NWI Executive Director Raoul Farer. Ph.D.

As North America’s premier event for technical textiles and nonwovens, Techtextil North America unites every segment of the industry—from research and innovation to sourcing, manufacturing, finishing, and recycling—empowering professionals to discover solutions, build partnerships, and stay ahead of what’s next. 

We are proud to have our students discuss their work with industry leaders from around the world

“We are proud to have our students discuss their work with industry leaders from around the world,” said NWI’s Executive Director Emeritus Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D.  “It demonstrates the quality of work being done within The Institute and across the entirety of NC State.”

For the full conference program and to register for Techtextil North America, please visit https://techtextil-north-america.us.messefrankfurt.com/us/en.html

For more details on NWI’s student researchers and the work they will be highlighting at the conference, please read on.

Negar (Nora) Karimian Ardestani – “Understanding and Improving Charge Retention in PLA Meltblown Fabric”

Nora is a Ph.D. student in the Fiber and Polymer Science Program of The Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University. Nora’s NWI research project focuses on improving the charging stability of PLA meltblown fabric using nucleating agents to achieve efficiencies comparable to PP for face masks and respirators. Nora is a student of Professors Dr. Farer and Dr. Pourdeyhimi. She has received industrial guidance from Dr. Dee Nelson (former Avgol, Indorama Ventures), Dr. Bryan Haynes (Kimberly-Clark Corporation), Dr. Jesus Alarcon (Hollingsworth & Vose), Mr. Nilesh Tharval (Mann+Hummel), Dr. Martin Lehmann (Mann+Hummel), Ms. Kathlyn Mealio (Atmus Filtration) and Dr. Matt O’Sickey (INDA). 

Nora has presented her research at RISE® 2024 and 2025 and at Nonwovens Institute IAB meetings in 2025 and 2026.  She is also co-leader of the NWI Student Researcher Group for 2026-27.

Connect with Nora on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-karimian/

Jose Alejandro Fernandez – “Understanding the Fundamentals of the Biodegradability of Polymer Blends and Additives for Nonwovens Application”

Jose is a Ph.D. candidate in Forest Biomaterials at NC State University. His research at the Nonwovens Institute (NWI) focuses on how composition, fiber configuration/phase morphology, and additives influence the biodegradability and performance of PLA-based nonwoven fibers. He is enrolled in the Department of Forest Biomaterials within NC State’s College of Natural Resources. Guided by industry collaborators, including Dr. Xing Dong (Indorama), Dr. Sergio Castro (Magnera) and Dr. David Tucker (Kimberly-Clark).

Jose has shared his work at major events such as the IDEA Show in Miami Beach (2025), the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C. (2025), and the past three RISE® Conferences. He has also presented at the NWI Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meetings multiple times, delivering both oral and poster presentations.

Connect with Jose on LinkedIn.com at https://www.linkedin.com/in/josé-alejandro-fernández-3273a3101/

Mahsa Nazem – “Fiber Degradation Evaluation and Sustainable Alternatives in Wet Wipes”

Mahsa Nazem is a Ph.D. candidate in the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University. Mahsa’s research project investigates the impact of key formulation ingredients on the properties of the fibers used in absorbent substrates, to develop a method to predict product shelf life and to establish a protocol that can be applied to test materials of interest, which will support the substitution of materials and chemicals with environmentally friendly options that maintain product performance during storage and promote biodegradability after disposal.  Mahsa’s academic advisors are Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi and Dr. Benoit Maze. She has also benefited from industrial guidance provided by Dr. Abhay Joijode (Magnera Corporation), Mr. Rene Vallejo-Martinez (Indorama), and Dr. Matt O’Sickey (INDA).

Mahsa has actively engaged with the scientific and industrial community by presenting at the IDEA Conference (Miami, FL, 2025), the RISE® Conference in 2024 and 2025, and the Techtextil North America in 2024). In addition, she has presented at the Industrial Advisory Board Meetings of the Nonwovens Institute on multiple occasions and at the NC State University Graduate Student Symposium in 2026.

Connect with Mahsa on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahsa-nazem-74101280/

Jess Rugeley– “Development of Compact / Agile Nonwoven Biodegradation Testing and Analysis Methodology in Composting Environments”

Jess Rugeley is a Fiber and Polymer Science Ph.D. student in the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University. Jess’ research project aims to develop a compact composting test method for biodegradable nonwoven materials to better understand how material structure influences biodegradation, ultimately supporting the development of more sustainable products and working towards a circular economy. 

Jess’ academic advisors are Dr. Eunkyoung Shim and Dr. Sonja Salmon. She has also received industrial guidance provided by Dr. Abhay Joijode (Magnera), Dr. Rick Fowler (YoungOne), Dr. DeeAnn Nelson (former Avgol, Indorama Ventures), and Dr. Matt O’Sickey (INDA).  Jess has presented at the RISE® Conference in 2025 and the Nonwovens Institute IAB meetings in 2025 and 2026. 

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-rugeley/

The student research poster program will be conducted on the right hand side of the conference hall as viewed from the entrance while NWI will be present at Booth 706 on the opposite side of the hall.

Are you interested in student research opportunities with NWI?  Learn more: https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/for-students/

Are you interested in engaging with NWI’s nonwovens research portfolio through membership?  https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/for-members/

Techtextil North America assembles all vertical aspects of the technical textile industry: from research and development, through raw materials and production processes and finally ending in conversion, further treatment and recycling.  The event is organized by Messe Frankfurt North America.  Established in 1991 and located in Atlanta Georgia, Messe Frankfurt North America currently produces trade shows in the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico.  For more information and registration, visit: https://techtextil-north-america.us.messefrankfurt.com/us/en.html