Dilpreet Bajwa, head of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Montana State University, has received the A.E. Thompson Career Achievement Award from the Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops (AAIC). The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and use of industrial crops and products throughout their careers.
According to the AAIC, nominees for this award must have worked in research and development, academia, or industry for at least ten years. They must also have a strong record of peer-reviewed publications, patents, products, and intellectual property development.
Brett Gunnink, dean of MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, commented on Bajwa’s recognition: “When faculty receive national recognition for career achievements, it shows that the faculty member is the best in the country. I am very proud of Dr. Bajwa and how his academic achievements advance the academic reputation of the NACOE and MSU.”
Bajwa’s research focuses on using natural fibers to design engineered composites and developing biodegradable hydromulches and nanocellulosic materials for sustainable biobased products used in advanced engineering applications. His research funding has surpassed $50.5 million. In addition to being elected as a fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science last year, Bajwa has mentored 48 graduate students, 30 undergraduates, and nine postdoctoral researchers.
Ana Luisa Fernando, past president of AAIC, wrote in support of Bajwa’s nomination: “His industrial collaborations have resulted in economic development for the companies and the region by improving and optimizing production processes and identifying alternative local agricultural fibers as raw materials. He has served AAIC in various capacities, including member, secretary, chair of the fiber and cellulosic division, and president of this society.”
Bajwa earned his doctorate in wood science and engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2000. He has led MSU’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering since 2021.
