Ramani Narayan is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. He is an internationally acclaimed leader and expert in bioplastics, focusing on the manufacture of biobased and compostable plastics. His research encompasses the design and manufacture of biofiber composites for auto and industrial applications. He received an M.S. degree in organic chemistry (1969) and a Ph.D. in polymer science and engineering (1975) from Bombay University in India. He is a Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors and the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM). He serves as the scientific chair of the Biodegradable Products Institute, North America. He served on the board of ASTM International and was founding chair of the committee on Environmentally Degradable Plastics and Biobased Products. He is the USA technical expert to ISO (International Standards Organization) TC 61 on Plastics; convener of SC 14 WG (working group) 3 on biobased plastics; convener of working group 7 of ISO TC 120 SC 4 on Packaging and the Environment. He received the ASTM Award of Merit and was the first recipient of the William N. Findley Award from ASTM for significant contributions to the application of new technologies. He received the Fulbright Distinguished Lectureship Chair in Science & Technology Management & Commercialization. He has more than 200 refereed publications, 30 issued patents, and graduated 20 Ph.D. and 25 MS students.