Pinku Mukherjee, Irwin Belk Endowed Professor of Cancer Research at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, was co-recipient of the award. While the board has traditionally chosen one winner per year, members were equally impressed with the work of Mukherjee and Pourdeyhimi, said Gardner Award Committee Chair Ann Maxwell. In addition to being world-class scientists and leaders in their fields, she said, the two are “outstanding teachers, unique mentors and tireless ambassadors for our state and our universities.”

 

Pourdeyhimi: A pioneer

 

As associate dean for Industry, Research and Extension in the College of Textiles at N.C. State, Pourdeyhimi has pioneered the field of nonwoven fabrics. His scientific and technical breakthroughs have contributed to better water purification and air filtration systems, safer vehicles, new drug delivery systems, improved agricultural production and the development of protective materials for military and civilian security. His work has led to the creation of wound dressings and bandages that help stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, barrier fabrics that provide protection from biological or chemical hazards, micro- and nanofibers for air and liquid filtration and high-performance materials for shelter, among other applications.

 

Pourdeyhimi helped grow the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center at N.C. State and later founded The Nonwovens Institute, a sustainable research and teaching center with global reach and impact. Situated on the N.C. State Centennial Campus and supported by 68 member companies, the center brings together academic leaders, graduate students and industry professionals from around the world to conduct research and develop new nonwoven products. Industry partners cover 98 percent of the institute’s $10-million annual budget and provide more than $30 million in equipment for use by N.C. State students and faculty.

 

The institute brings together nearly 70 companies, government and university experts to create next-generation engineered fabrics.

 

Nonwovens are big business. North Carolina has attracted more than $720 million in investment from nonwovens companies in the past 10 years. In addition to American businesses, corporations from Israel, Japan, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil and Mexico have invested in nonwovens in the state.