DR. LOKENDRA PAL is an professor of sustainable materials engineering in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State University. Pal has over 23 years of global experience in the research and technological advancement of bio-based materials, and professional experience in managing and collaborating with industrial partners worldwide. Before joining NC State, he spent 9 years working with Hewlett-Packard Company. He has been granted 24 patents. Pal received a PhD in paper and imaging science and engineering from Western Michigan University. Pal was named NC State University Faculty Scholar in 2021 for his outstanding contribution to research, excellence in teaching and student mentoring, and leadership in professional societies. He teaches paper process analysis as well as process engineering and data analytics courses. He also teaches many industrial short courses on papermaking, coating, and printing. His research group is focused on developing sustainable and smart bioproducts through green chemistry and advanced manufacturing of biomaterials to deliver top-class hygiene, packaging, and flexible electronics/3D materials and products that benefit society as well as the environment.