The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) helps to develop the next generation of leaders across the nonwovens industry and academia.  Deep engagement with students across numerous disciplines at North Carolina State University (NCSU) and other affiliated institutions by Leadership, Staff and Industry Members of NWI enhances the students’ experience.  In addition, students learn communications, group dynamics and leadership skills while supporting each other along their journey through the NWI Student Researcher Group.

The Student Researcher Group meets weekly throughout the academic year offering students the opportunity to share their research and technical experience. These meetings are used to prepare for presentations to at the semi-annual Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meetings and other venues including important technical and commercial conferences as the students receive valuable feedback from each other.  Additionally, visits with industry and team building events are organized.  Since the group is multidisciplinary, members are able to share their knowledge with each other so that students can better use the resources available across the University community, at other institutions and industry. 

Student leaders for the 2025-2026 academic year were Morgan Gilbert and Darshana Malusare. Both Morgan and Darshana are Ph.D. students at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA and represent the multidisciplinary nature of NWI with Morgan studying in the field of Fiber and Polymer Science and Darshana studying in the field of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

The group offers us as students a unique and valuable opportunity for collaboration, support, and professional development

“The group offers us as students a unique and valuable opportunity for collaboration, support, and professional development that spans across various disciplines, backgrounds, and research interests,” said Group Leader Morgan Gilbert who is pursuing a Ph.D. in Fiber and Polymer Science at the Wilson College of Textiles at NCSU and has been an NWI Graduate Research Assistant since June 2022.

During the 2025-26 academic year, students presented poster presentations at both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 NWI Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meetings and at the 2025 RISE^® Conference in Raleigh; organized by INDA –  Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. 

As the end of the academic year approached in early May, students presented their work from both the podium and in poster format at the Spring IAB meeting.  After the IAB, there was a celebration along with students from The University of Illinois – Chicago who are also affiliated with NWI.

A few days later, the students celebrated with a team-building evening of bowling to wrap up the 2025-26 academic year.

“The Student Researcher Group helps to bring a bit of work-life balance to the team,” said NWI’s Executive Director, Raoul Farer, Ph.D.  “And that’s a set of learnings that we all can benefit from!”

I find the student activities to be refreshing and energizing

“I find the student activities to be refreshing and energizing, offering a great opportunity to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and strengthen teamwork in a fun, collaborative environment.” said Group Co-Lead Darshana Malusare who is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NCSU and has been conducting research at NWI since 2023.