Ph.D. student researchers currently engaged in The Nonwovens Institute’s (NWI’s) fundamental nonwovens research program will be presenting posters at the upcoming RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) conference, Oct. 14-15, 2025 in the McKimmon Center of NC State University.
Ten NWI student researchers are slated to showcase their work during the poster session beginning at 5:00 pm during the Oct. 14 Welcome Reception at the McKimmon Center, NCSU, Raleigh, NC. In addition to the poster presentations, the conference program will cover topics ranging from recycling methods, raw materials alternatives, and circular economy to bio-based / hybrid fibers and natural-synthetic blends to innovations in coatings, additives, and adhesives to enzyme technology and the biodegradation processes, as well as the awarding of the 2025 RISE® Innovation award and an optional tour of NWI’s world-class facilities.
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 Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D. “It demonstrates the quality of work being done within The Institute and across the entirety of NC State.”
The students have not only expanded the boundaries of our understanding, they’ve also shown that the innovation is practical and scalable
Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs, INDA observed, “What really excites me about the student posters at the RISE® Conference is that in many cases the innovations have been validated on industrial scale nonwoven production equipment at The Nonwovens Institute. These students have not only expanded the boundaries of our understanding of nonwovens, they’ve also shown that the innovation is practical and scalable.”
For the full conference program and to register for RISE®, please visit https://www.riseconf.net/. For more details on the student researchers and the work they will be highlighting at the conference, please read on.
Anicah Smith O’Brien
“Effect of Surface Coatings on Biodegradability & Functional Properties of Biopolymer Substrates”
Anicah is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University. Her research at the Nonwovens Institute (NWI) focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of how surfactant coatings influence the aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of biopolymer substrates, as well as their impact on key in-use properties, such as wettability. She is co-advised by Professors Morton Barlaz (Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering) and Saad Khan (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering). Her work is further supported by industrial guidance from Abhay Joijode (Berry Global), Sathanjheri Ravishankar (Saint-Gobain), DeeAnn Nelson (NWI Emeritus, formerly Avgol Nonwovens), Bryan Haynes (Kimberly Clark), Matt O’Sickey (INDA), Daniel Ellingson (Fibertex Nonwovens), and Hooman Amid (Saint-Gobain).
Anicah has presented her research at several professional conferences in both oral and poster formats, including the IDEA Show in Miami Beach, FL (2025); NWI Industrial Advisory Board Meetings in Raleigh, NC (2023-2025); the Schoenborn Research Symposium in Raleigh (2023-2025); RISE® in Raleigh (2024); and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA (2024).
Connect with Anicah on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anicahsmith/
Darshana Malusare
“Exploring adsorbent particulate deposition for functionalization of spunbond webs and fibers”
Darshana is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University and co-leader of the NWI Student Researcher Group. “I am grateful to NWI for providing a platform to pursue impactful research in a collaborative environment”, said Darshana. Her NWI research project focuses on functionalization of spunbond webs and fibers using Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for applications in wastewater treatment and gas adsorption. Darshana is co-advised by Dr. Hooman Tafreshi (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) and Dr. Saad Khan (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering). She has received guidance from NWI Members Andreas Scope (Mann+Hummel), Bryan D. Haynes (Kimberly-Clark), DeeAnn Nelson (NWI Emeritus, formerly Avgol Nonwovens), Perry Potnis (Halyard) and SA (Ravi) Ravishankar (Saint-Gobain).
Darshana has presented her research at various conferences including the IDEA Show in Miami Beach, FL (2025); NWI Industrial Advisory Board Meetings in Raleigh, NC (2023-2025); the Schoenborn Research Symposium (2024-2025) and RISE® (2024) in Raleigh, NC; and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA (2024).
Connect with Darshana on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshana-malusare-46016a190/
Hossam Elnaggar
“Single-Shot Polarization Imaging of Defects in Fiber Spinning”
Hossam is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State University. Hossam’s NWI research project focuses on single-shot polarization imaging for detecting defects in fiber spinning processes, with the goal of enabling real-time, non-invasive quality control in advanced fiber manufacturing. Hossam is a student of Professor Kara Peters, Ph.D., of the NC State Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He has received industrial guidance from Anastasia Timofeeva (PFNonwovens), Carl Wust (Emeritus Member, former Indorama Ventures), David Tucker (KCC), David Chiles (Hills Inc), and Keith Black (Fibertex Nonwovens).
Connect with Hossam on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hossam-elnaggar-6a54a9187/
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 Xing Dong (Indorama) and Sergio Castro (Magnera).
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 two RISE® Conferences. He has also presented at the NWI Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meetings five 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. student 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 Mr. Tim Audiss (Clorox), Dr. Abhay Joijode (Magnolia 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 (Raleigh, NC, 2024), and the Techtextil North America Symposium (Raleigh, NC, 2024). In addition, she has participated in the Industrial Advisory Board Meetings of the Nonwovens Institute on three occasions since 2024.
Mahsa will also offer a presentation on her work from the podium of the RISE® conference on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 15.
Connect with Mahsa on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahsa-nazem-74101280/
Nur Uddin
“Effect of Critical Process Parameters on Particle Deposition in Coform Meltblown Process”
Nur is a Ph.D. candidate in Fiber and Polymer Science at NC State University. Nur’s research focuses on optimizing the integration of adsorbent particulates into nonwoven materials using the coform meltblown process. By investigating particulate dispensing, fiber-particle interactions, and process conditions, the project aims to enhance properties such as absorption and particle retention, while improving manufacturing efficiency for industrial-scale production. Key steps include experimental studies, microstructural characterizations, and performance evaluations to develop advanced particulate-loaded nonwoven products. Nur is a student of Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi and Dr. Benoit Maze of the NC State Wilson College of Textiles. He has received industrial guidance from Dr. Ravishankar, Dr. Emily Green, Dr. Amid Hooman, and Dr. Piyash Thakre, of Saint-Gobain and Dow Inc.
Nur will also offer a presentation on his work from the podium of the RISE® conference on the morning of Wednesday, October 15.
Connect with Nur on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nur-uddin-duet/
Morgan Gilbert
“Charge Characterization in Fibers”
Morgan is a Ph.D. candidate in the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University and co-leader of the NWI Student Researcher Group. “It is both an honor and a privilege to serve again as one of the leaders of the NWI Student Researcher Group. This incredible community has been such a source of collaboration and support for us students, and I’m excited to help carry that forward into another school year”. Morgan’s NWI research project focuses on investigating the behavior of electrostatic charge in nonwoven materials to better understand and predict how filter media captures particles through both mechanical and electrostatic mechanisms. Morgan is a student of Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi of the NC State Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science. She has received industrial guidance from Dr. Martin Lehmann and Nilesh Tharval, of MANN+HUMMEL.
Morgan has engaged with both academic and industrial audiences, presenting her research at the IDEA® Conference (Miami, FL, 2025) and the RISE® Conference (Raleigh, NC, 2023). She has also been a consistent participant in the Nonwovens Institute’s Industrial Advisory Board Meetings each semester since 2022.
Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-gilbert-/
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), Dr. Bryan Haynes (KCC), Mr. Daniel Ellingson and Dr. Keith Black (Fibertex), Jesus Alarcon (H&V), Nilesh Tharval (Mann+Hummel), Martin Lehmann (Mann+Hummel), Kathlyn Mealio (Atmus Filtration), Matt O’Sickey (INDA).
Nora has presented her research at RISE® 2024 and at the Nonwovens Institute IAB meeting in May 2025.
Connect with Nora on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-karimian/
Sarvesh Anand Nadkarni
“Thermo-rheological Behavior of Biopolymers and Biopolymer Blends for Fiber Spinning”
Sarvesh is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University. Sarvesh’s NWI research project focuses on developing biopolymer blends and characterizing their thermal and rheological behavior for nonwoven applications. Specifically, examining the phase separation behavior as a function of blend ratios and temperatures, investigating the effect of biopolymer blend degradation kinetics on the rheological properties, and identifying the processing window for extrusion, and correlating these fundamental parameters to fiber spinnability and mechanical properties of spun fibers. Sarvesh is a student of Dr. Saad A. Khan of the NC State Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He has received industrial guidance from Dr. Xing Dong (Indorama Ventures), Dr. David Tucker (Kimberly Clark), and Dr. Abhay Joijode (Magnera).
Sarvesh has presented his research at several professional conferences in both oral and poster formats, including the NWI Industrial Advisory Board Meetings in Raleigh, NC (2024); the Schoenborn Research Symposium in Raleigh (2025), and he will be presenting a poster at The Society of Rheology’s 96th Annual Meeting in October 2025 at Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Connect with Sarvesh on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarvesh-nadkarni/
Young Jae Kim
“Understanding the Influence of Molecular Ordering on Wetting Resistance”
Young Jae Kim is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State University. Young Jae’s NWI research project is focused on developing hydrocarbon-based alternatives to fluorocarbons for enhancing the performance of nonwoven materials such as wetting resistance. Historically, fluorocarbons have exhibited the highest resistance to fluids, but their toxicity, specifically the bio-accumulative nature of PFAS compounds, has prompted companies to seek alternatives. Young Jae is a student of Dr. Arun K. Kota of the NC State Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, and is working with industry advisors Dr. Francis Porbeni and Dr. Perry Potnis; both from Owens & Minor.
Young Jae has presented his research at several professional conferences in both oral and poster formats, including the IDEA Show in Miami Beach, FL (2025); NWI Industrial Advisory Board Meetings in Raleigh, NC (2022 Fall -2025 Fall); the MAE Research Symposium in Raleigh (2023-2025); RISE® in Raleigh (2023, 2024); Triangle Soft Matter Workshop in Raleigh (2024) and the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall Meeting in Denver, CO (2024)
Connect with Young Jae Kim on LinkedIn.com at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/young-jae-kim-024429217/
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/
The RISE® conference, organized by INDA – the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is in its 15th edition. INDA serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens/engineered fabrics industry doing business globally. Since 1968, INDA networking events have helped members connect, innovate and develop their businesses.
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