Seshadri Ramkumar, a professor of technical textiles and countermeasures to chemical threats in Texas Tech’s Department of Environmental Toxicology and The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH), will receive TAPPI’s NET (Nonwovens Engineers and Technologists) Division Technical Achievement Award and the Mark Hollingsworth Prize for technical advancement in the field. The TAPPI NET Division is the world’s leading professional group in the field of nonwoven technology, and the Technical Achievement Award is deemed the highest technical award for the field’s researchers.

“This award has been possible because Texas Tech realized the importance of research in the new field of nonwovens way back in 1999 and supported my effort through the Admiral Zumwalt Program, which helped with the creation of FiberTect decontamination wipe technology,” Ramkumar says. “The research program showcases strong and continuing collaboration between Texas Tech, Reese Center and industry groups such as Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. I am thankful to Texas Tech for providing a supportive research environment that is absolutely needed for any research program to succeed.”

Ramkumar’s award will be presented at a May 17 awards dinner during the 2016 NET INC (Innovative Nonwovens Conference) in Cincinnati, OH.

“I have known Ram for nearly a decade and am proud to be involved in presenting this well-deserved award to him,” says Larry N. Montague, TAPPI president and CEO. “He is extremely energetic, solid and passionate about the nonwovens industry, and his leadership skills have helped to drive the TAPPI NET Division forward as a true motivator.”