FB 517 – Sustainable & Social Innovations in Packaging Design & Engineering

This course intends to give companies tools, resources, knowledge, and skills to create more sustainable packaging for their current and future products by utilizing current techniques and processes through NC State programs and the expertise of the faculty in Sustainable Materials Technology and Paper Science Engineering. Participants will achieve the above knowledge and skill sets through various applicable activities, lectures, demonstrations, and flipped learning experiences using state-of-the-art technologies, machinery, and tools provided by NC State.

SMT 109 - Introduction to Sustainable Packaging 

The course is designed to familiarize students with the characteristics, production processes, and environmental impact of commonly used packaging materials such as biobased metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. It will provide an in-depth exploration of how the structure and mechanical properties of these materials relate to the technology used in their production and the transformation of these materials into functional packaging products. In addition to delving into the material properties, the course will also offer an introduction to life cycle analysis, smart manufacturing, sustainable packaging design, packaging testing, and Pulp and Paper, providing a comprehensive understanding of the entire packaging process.

SMT 317 - Gravity Sketch and Workflow Applications – Not Supported

This course covers the visual representation of objects for product development using SubD Virtual Reality (VR) CAD software. This course allows for ideas in real-time, at any scale, from concept sketches to complex 3D models. Develop using a wide assortment of digital devices in Virtual Reality. Students can store, view, and manage creations using the LandingPad cloud platform for a seamless end-to-end workflow. Gravity Sketch (GS) is an intuitive 3D innovation platform for cross-disciplinary groups to develop, collaborate, and examine innovatively.

SMT 417 - Sustainable Furniture Development – Not Supported

This course introduces students to the field of furniture product development. Lectures, class discussions, industry guest speakers, and exercises transition them through the history of furniture development with insight into sustainability process techniques for manufacturing and creation. Along with the foundation in the furniture development process, industry process, and manufacturing process to meet the needs of the company's overall goals. Students will have the opportunity to complete their piece of unique, sustainably created furniture gained from necessary hands-on skillsets through various machinery and tools that aid students in conceptual, aesthetic, and structural development issues, resulting in a finalized functional product development. 

Sustainable Packaging Concentration 

The growth of online shopping and the focus on eco-friendly practices create new chances for packaging innovation. Sustainable packaging will attract students from different backgrounds and help our graduates develop essential skills for many industries. Our efforts will also widen our network of industry partners, which will support our teaching and research.

Our Sustainable Packaging Program (SPP) has three main goals:

1. Improve academic and research experiences by working with industry partners.

2. Create a supportive learning environment with modern facilities.

3. Encourage inclusive thinking, leadership, and ethics among students.

Adding the SP to our teaching and research will improve research quality, enhance teaching methods, and prepare students for careers in leading packaging companies.

Sustainable Product Development Minor

Presently in conversations involving the development of an interdisciplinary College minor in Sustainable Product Development. This minor would bridge the gap between the College of Natural Resources, College of Design, and College of Textiles by connecting a select number of courses between all three or a combination of two to create a minor in Sustainable Product Development. 

Automation Furniture CAD Workshop (Working Title)

The upcoming workshop is a collaborative effort with a leading IMOS company based in Germany, known for developing cutting-edge CAD software for CNC production. This comprehensive course will span one to two weeks, providing in-depth training in concept development and the final product. Participants will not only learn the art of designing furniture using only paneling but also gain practical skills in operating the sophisticated IMOS CAD software. The workshop will culminate with an immersive experience in understanding and utilizing the CNC Thermwood equipment within Hodges, featuring the barcode scanner to integrate seamlessly into the IMOS design software. These practical skills will undoubtedly enhance their professional capabilities. This eagerly anticipated workshop is currently in the development phase, with plans to launch in either December 2024 or May 2025.

Spring 2025

SMT 483-001, Capstone in Sustainable Materials and Technology - “Design Thinking, A Process in Creative Development”, Feb 2025, (19 students)

FB 801–001, Doctoral Seminar – “Sustainable Design”, January 2025, (11 students)

FB 601-001, Master's Seminar – “Sustainable Design”, January 2025, (2 students)

Fall 2023

FOR 422/522-001, Consulting Forestry - “Sustainable Product Development”, September 2023, (14 students)

SMT 200-001, Introduction to Sustainable Materials and Technology - “Sustainable Product Development”, October 2023, (29 students)

Spring 2023

SMT 483-001, Capstone in Sustainable Materials and Technology - “Design Thinking, A Process in Creative Development”, Feb 2023, (22 students)

SMT Student Association -- Professor Panel: Research/Elective Courses Information Session, “Sustainable Product Development”, March 2023, (approx. 15 students)

Fall 2022

SMT 200-001, Introduction to Sustainable Materials and Technology - “Sustainable Product Development”, October 2022, (29 students)

Spring 2022

SMT 483-001, Capstone in Sustainable Materials and Technology - “Design Thinking, A Process in Creative Development”, March 2022, (35 students)

Fall 2021

SMT 200-001, Introduction to Sustainable Materials and Technology - “Sustainable Product Development”, October 2021, (28 students)

Summer 2021 

VentureWell Summer Workshop, Sustainability and Innovation, “Sustainable Product and Industrial Design”, June 2021, (approx. 20 students)

Spring 2021

FB 801–001, Forest Biomaterials Seminar – “Sustainable Design”, April 2021, (15 students)

FB 601-001, Master's Seminar – “Sustainable Design”, April 2021, (x students)

PSE 370-001, Pulp and Paper Products and Markets – “Design Thinking, A Process in Creative Development”, Feb 2021, (32 students)

SMT 483-001, Capstone in Sustainable Materials and Technology - “Design Thinking, A Process in Creative Development”, Feb 2021, (19 students)

Student Competition: (Total = 5)

• 2024 Student Design Paperboard Packaging Challenge - 5

Student Class: (Total = 4)

• Spring 2024 - ES 400 Project Mentor: 4

Student Internships: (Total = 2)

• Spring 2024: 1

• Summer 2021: 1

Student Worker Mentor: (Total = 4)

• 2024 – 2025 Academic Year: 2     

• 2023 – 2024 Academic Year: 1     

• 2022 – 2023 Academic Year: 1    

• 2021 – 2022 Academic Year: 1  

Mentored Graduate Student Positions: (Total = 1) 

• Fall 2022 - 1      

Mentored Undergraduate Student Positions: (Total = 73) 

• 2024 – 2025 Academic Year: 13     

• 2023 – 2024 Academic Year: 15     

• 2022 – 2023 Academic Year: 15     

• 2021 – 2022 Academic Year: 15   

Graduate Committee Memberships  

PhD in progress as Committee Lead PI (Total = 1) 

• Phillip Agbesi (NC State University)

Master's completed as Committee Member (Total = 1) 

• Ayomikun Olarinoye (NC State University)