Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar News
March 18, 2025
Book Award
The book, "Sustainable Innovations in the Textile Industry," published by Elsevier Inc wherein we contributed a chapter has won the 2025 PROSE AWARD given by Association of American Publishers.
The book won in Engineering & Technology Category.
My graduate student Mirza Khyum co-authored the book chapter with me. The editors of the award-winning book are Dr. Roshan Paul and Professor Thomas Gries.
Our chapter focused on nonwovens, and we are thankful to Drs. Paul and Gries for inviting us to contribute a chapter.
Innovations in nonwoven textiles
Mirza Khyum and S. S. Ramkumar
Sustainable Innovations in the Textile Industry
Editors: Roshan Paul and Thomas Gries
Pages 187 - 215
Elsevier, Inc.
https://proseawards.com/winners/2025-award-winners/
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December 16, 2024
Seshadri Ramkumar Recognized as First S&T Ambassador by AATCC
American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC, leading professional association in the field of fiber science) in the United States, recognized Ramkumar as its FIRST AMBASSADOR for its S & T outreach efforts with India. As part of AATCC’s MOU with the world’s largest professional association, Textile Association India (TAI), this outreach effort has been organized. TAI has 26,000 members.
Both associations established this collaboration to exchange research initiatives and help the field as India and United States are two largest producers of cotton.
AATCC recognized Ramkumar with one of its highest awards, Chapin Award. TAI has given him its highest award, Honorary Membership and Honorary Fellow—only one living today with these two highest recognitions!
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October 22, 2024
Intexcon Innovation Award for International Collaboration in Technical Textiles
Seshadri Ramkumar of Nonwovens Laboratory, Texas Tech University and Jayalakshmi Textiles
were awarded the intexcon award, sponsored by intexcon conference and Indian Technical
Textiles Association.
The award was presented to Ramkumar and Arunkrishna by Rajeev Saxena, Jt. Secretary,
Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India on October 22, 2024.
The collaboration proved value-added applications of cotton establishing the advantages
of cotton in certain technical textiles applications.
Mr. Arunkrishna Srinivasan, Director of Jayalakshmi Textiles received the award on
behalf of Jayalakshmi Textiles.
As part of the award function, Ramkumar will deliver lecture on "Cotton and Advanced
Textiles," on the second
day of the event.
The award function was graced by about 230 people in JB Auditorium, AMA, Ahmedabad,
India.
Who's Who in the textile industry such as Mr. R D. Udeshi, former President, Polyester
Chains, Reliance Industries, Ltd. Dr. P. R. Roy, former Group Chief Executive (Textiles),
Arvind Mills, Dr. Arindam Basu, Director General of NITRA, Pragnesh Shah, Director
of ATIRA, Mr. Thulsi Patel, National President of Textile Association (India), Dr.
Ashwin Thakkar, Chair, Textile Association (India), Ahmedabad Unit.
Nirav Shah Co-founder Diagonal Consulting (India), organized the conference.
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May 6, 2024
PRESIDENT'S EXEMPLARY PROGRAM
Project: Engaged Research in National Defense, Human Health, and Environmental Protection
Award recipient: Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar
This engaged research project with the U.S. Department of Defense delivered a decontamination
wipe which is now commercialized. The work by Dr. Ramkumar was one of the first patented
and commercialized works from a TTU researcher. Today, the FiberTech technology is
becoming a standard for toxic chemical decontamination. Importantly, the wipe is finding
applications in cleaning up fentanyl/synthetic opioids and radiological particles.
It is also being used in extreme cold climates such as the Arctic Circle. This effort
has been possible due to a collaboration with First Line Technology who engaged with
First Responders in the Arctic region.
Award Recipient:
Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Dept. of Environmental Toxicology, College of Arts
and Sciences
Community Partners:
High Plains Cotton Producers
Hobbs Bonded Fibers
First LIne Tech, LLC
Government of India
Jayalakshmi Textiles
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March 21, 2024
March 21, 2024/Nonwoven Industry Magazine
FiberTect Innovation and Engaged Research
Over two-decades our efforts in nonwovens and advanced materials has resulted in the commercialization of FiberTect wipe (Ramkumar, US Patent).
Today (March 21, 2024) a major feature in the leading Nonwovens Industry magazine traces its history and evolution honoring our collaboration with Waco-based Hobbs Bonded Fibers and Fredericksburg based First Line Technology.
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December 13, 2023
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December 12, 2023
India-U.S. Collaboration Can Aid Oil Spill Clean-up
An oil spill from a refinery in North Chennai, India, has turned cyclonic floods into a toxic mixture.
The Michaung tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal has battered the northern coast
of Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh, bringing life to a standstill since the
weekend. As Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is inundated with floods due
to 15-16 inches of rain in some areas, a crude oil spill has been reported due to
a leak in an oil refinery in North Chennai. Areas like Ennore are witnessing thick
oil-contaminated polluted waters, creating panic and distress among the population
who have been already suffering due to floods and lack of basic amenities. Media reports
and videos show hip deep water with oil in some densely populated North Chennai areas.
READ MORE
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November 18, 2023
The India Faculty and Sta Association (IFSA) of Texas Tech University System was kind
enough to recognize me on November 18, 2023, with Prestigious Shawl Distinction.
It is humbling to receive this recognition along with Mr. Sam Segran, CTO of TTU,
whom I respect for his service and personality, and Horn Distinguished Professor Danny
Reible, Member of National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Sharma Prabhakar, Kidney Specialist
in University Medical Center, and a few select distinguished members of TTU and TTUHSC.
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November 9, 2023
U.S. Army Turns to TTU’s FiberTect Wipe for Decontamination Use By Cotton Grower Staff
In a groundbreaking partnership between the United States Army and First Line Technology,
recent research findings are poised to usher in a revolutionary shift in decontamination
processes.
The research, now available to the public, highlights the potential of non-aqueous
decontamination technologies, with a particular focus on FiberTect.
READ MORE
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November 8, 2023
TTU Professor’s Invention is Part of Decontamination Advancements by the U.S. Army
In a groundbreaking partnership between the United States Army and First Line Technology, recent research findings are poised to usher in a revolutionary shift in decontamination processes. The research, now available to the public, highlights the potential of non-aqueous decontamination technologies, with a particular focus on FiberTect.
"FiberTect has been a powerful decontamination tool that is used globally as the 'first' item that a responder would grab to start the decontamination process," notes Amit Kapoor, President of First Line Technology. "The result from continuous testing only reinforces the technical superiority of FiberTect over other common decontamination tools."
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October 16, 2023
Dr. Ramkumar group’s collaborative effort with Dr. Halemek’s group has resulted in
a paper, which has been recognized as Cover Page in the latest issue of the peer-reviewed
journal, TAPPI Journal (See attached).
The journal has released this issue recently on its site. TAPPI Journal is the flagship
journal of the 100-year-old, Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry.
This is the first paper for Ashley Newland, PhD student in our department in Dr. Halamek’s group.
This paper’s covert art was possible due to the creative effort of my colleague Brad Thomas with the timely support of Asst. Director, Lori Gibler.
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September 21, 2023
Lihua Lou, who has been named the 2023 Early Career Stop Heart Disease Researcher
of the Year by the Florida Heart Research Foundation
CELL-MET is the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center in Cellular Metamaterials, led by Boston University. FIU and the University of Michigan are major team members.
“It is my true honor to be recognized as this year’s Early Career Stop Heart Disease Researcher,” Lihua said. “I am incredibly proud to be a member of this research team conducting interdisciplinary research to find an innovative treatment for heart disease.”
Lihua received her PhD under Professor Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D. of Texas Tech University, Environmental Toxicology Department.
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September 5, 2023
Broader Impact of Research-Recognition
Research these days are aimed at being of broader impact to the community, beyond one specific field.
On the Teachers Days (Sep 5th) celebrated in India as a mark of respect to teachers, Professor Seshadri Ramkumar of Texas Tech University has been notified that he will be awarded with ICRS Award for Research and Promotion of Technical Textiles.
International Congress on Renaissance in Sports (ICRS) is a one of its kind international conference aimed at 360 degree aspect in sports. This congress brings people not only who are athletes, but also technologists, communicators in sports and allied fields.
Over a century old, National College Trichy in India is organizing this major event in February 2024.
The conference is recognizing Dr. Ramkumar for research in technical textiles, which encompasses sports textiles and the promotion of this field in India for over 20 years.
Glad to see research is having broader impact and is getting the attention of practitioners which is important to create a market and move the field. In this case, sports textiles will be getting world attention in a event where athletes with national and international repute will be felicitated.
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August 25, 2023
Ramkumar to Receive Chapin Award
In recognition of his outstanding service to the Association, AATCC has named Seshadri Ramkumar as recipient of the Harold C. Chapin Award.
AATCC Involvement
Ramkumar has been a member of the Association since 1999. He was a strong proponent
for expanding AATCC into the area of nonwovens and technical textiles. He supported
the founding of the Materials Interest Group and served as an officer in this Interest
Group for 11 years.
Ramkumar was involved in the development and promotion of nonwoven and technical textile conferences and symposia both nationally and internationally. He presented webinars and tutorials, chaired conference committees, and served as a moderator or speaker at AATCC conferences, symposia, and events. He especially encouraged AATCC’s involvement in conferences in India and co-organized major conferences, promoting AATCC widely to all who attended. His tenacious advocacy for the Association strengthened AATCC’s significance throughout the Indian textile community.
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July 20, 2023
Seshadri Ramkumar Recognized with Lifetime Technical Achievement Award
“I am very humbled with the recognition and the award is an acknowledgment of over
2-decades of work carried out by many students from many countries in my laboratory.
I am thrilled to note many of these students are contributing to the global nonwovens
sector in leading research and marketing positions. I thank INDA, its staff, and colleagues
in the industry for supporting our nonwovens research at Texas Tech University when
I initiated it in 1999.”
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June 12, 2023
Collaborative Research Outcome: Success
Today (May 20, 2023), four students in the final year B. Tech degree at RVS College
of Engineering, India, as part of partial fulfillment of engineering degree successfully
defended research project on "Sustainable Oil Absorbent." To see four young students
who are 10,000 miles apart work on a project with me here in Texas (virtually) come
out successful is indeed a relish.
Professor V Krishnakumar, Director at Dindigul, India-based RVS College of Engineering
served as the onsite advisor.
This project is a collaboration between Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory,
Texas Tech University and RVS College of Engineering, India.
Our best wishes to the four soon to be Engineers!
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April 14, 2023
Advanced textiles sector needs to engage with the end-user community
Nonwovens and industrial textiles industry develops many products which are life savers,
contribute to environmental protection and provide jobs, informs Dr Seshadri Ramkumar.
Advanced textiles sector such as hygiene and medical nonwovens needs to effectively
outreach and engage with the end-user community.
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March 14, 2023
Seshadri Ramkumar Receives Silver Medal for Research from Society of Dyers & Colourists,
United Kingdom
UK-based Society of Dyers & Colourists (SDC) has bestowed Ramkumar with Silver Medal for research in Sustainable Technical Textiles that protects environment. The silver medal was received on March 14, 2023.
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February27,2023
Gold Medal and Honorary Membership-Highest Award in Textiles Field
Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar was awarded a Gold Medal and Honorary Membership of the world's largest association in the fiber/textiles field, Textile Association (India) [TAI]. TAI has over 26,000 members.
The Honorable Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of the State of Gujarat, India bestowed me the award in the presence of Honorable Smt. Darshana Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles, Government of India. The award was given in the World Textile Conference-3 of the association on February 26, 2023, in Ahmedabad, India.
Honorary Membership is the highest award by the world's largest association in the field. Leading stalwarts in the field like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, father of space science in India, Padmabhushan Kasturi Srinivasan, founding director of the South India Textile Research Association were the earlier winners of this prestigious award.
About 800 people attended the award function that included distinguished guests like the Chairman of the Board of INDA-USA and the President of INDA-USA, Punit Lalbhai, Director of India's leading textile industry, Arvind Ltd, to name a few.
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February 17, 2023
WORLD TEXTILE CONFERENCE 3
INVITATION
On February 25-26, it is organizing its world conference (WTC-3) which will be inaugurated
by:
Indian Union Government's Minister for State for Textiles and Railways and
Chief Minister (equal of Governor in US) of the State of Gujarat.
Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar will receive the highest award by the world's largest association, "Honorary Membership."
The event has attracted leading players in industry and academia. US-based Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry's (INDA), Chairman of the Board, Dr. Bryan Hayes of Kimberly Clark and the President of INDA are attending.
Honorary Membership is rarely bestowed and many leaders such as India' Space Sectors' pioneer, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Reliance Industry Chairman Dhirubhai Ambani are the few. I am the first one from the United States to receive this honor in the association's over 70 years of existence.
View the conference inaugural program invite.
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February 12, 2023
After I sent the Feb-2023 Horizon column in the well-read “Pallikkutam,” (meaning School), published by Rajgiri Media, Cochin, India, a few previous featured colleagues, and community members asked to share their and other archived articles.
I have been fortunate to archive last two years of Horizon column and hence for the interest of those who asked and those featured, I am sharing the link here. My colleagues Brad and Lori are prompt to archive them-thanks.
There are articles focusing on research, leadership and support efforts. etc.
Many trail blazers at TTU who established institutes, lead first COVID-19 testing like Ronald Kendall, Steven Presley are all featured. The first issue had the views of Professor Michael Galyean with whom I have worked closely as the Faculty Senate President and for two years as Chair of TTU-AAUP Group. His support enabled us to accomplish major initiatives that affect faculty and staff at TTU.
My effort is to seek some gems across the campus and feature them, as Pallikkutam being published in English from India has several thousand views.
Department of Environmental Toxicology
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Address
Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Box 41163, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
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806.742.4567 -
Email
entx.it@ttu.edu