Neha leads the fiber quality research program at Cotton Incorporated located in Cary, North Carolina. She manages external and internal research projects that focus on technology improvement, assessment, and technology development in fiber quality. She also works in traceability and is responsible for dissemination of appropriate data and findings. She obtained her Ph.D. from Texas […]
Category: Speaker Bios
Michael Savarie
Michael Savarie is the Sustainability Program Manager for Circularity and Textiles at UL Solutions, where he manages the Environmental Claim Validation (ECV), and the Textile Exchange programs. Michael has a background in sustainability in the apparel and textile industry, helping to successfully launch an apparel and material innovation brand, and later developing and leading the […]
Nelson E. Houser
A 1967 graduate of the College of Textiles North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Chemistry, he has served in various technical and management positions with dyestuff and chemical suppliers, and wet processors. After 53 years in the textile industry, Nelson retired in June 2019. Previous positions include Technical Service […]
Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi
Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi joined NC State immediately after completing his PhD at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom in 1982. Soon, he left for other opportunities, Cornell (2 years), University of Maryland (11 years) and Georgia Tech (4 years) before returning to NC State in 1998-199 Academic year. Behnam is the William A. […]
Dr. Michael A. Drzewinski
Dr. Michael A. Drzewinski is currently the Chief Science Officer for Nufabrx (Conover, NC). As a founding member, Dr. Drzewinski has been instrumental in developing and building a novel textile delivery system for skin actives under the tradename of Health Wear. Much of Dr. Michael Drzewinski’s career has been spent developing innovative new products in […]
Eduardo Palmeira, Electrolux NA
Eduardo is the Application Laboratory Technical Leader for Fabric Care at Electrolux NA. His 10-year experience developing Major Appliances products gave him a deep understanding of the functionality of washers and dryers, consumer behaviors, and the impact that laundry has on the world. Electrolux is a leading global appliance company that has shaped living for […]
Lucas Tyson
Lucas Tyson is the Senior Business Developer of Hologenix, a materials science company dedicated to developing products that amplify human potential and improve health and wellness. CELLIANT®, its flagship technology, is an infrared ingredient brand that enhances textile-based products with health and wellness benefits across performance, recovery and sleep. CELLIANT’s natural blend of IR-generating minerals […]
Howard Malpass
Howard Malpass received a BS in Textile Chemistry at North Carolina State University in 1967 and served as a lieutenant in the US Navy before returning to NC State to complete a Masters in Textile Technology in 1973. Malpass worked at Milliken & Company first as a supervisor and eventually dyeing superintendent of textured polyester, […]
Mary Ankeny
Mary Ankeny serves as VP, Product Development and Implementation at Cotton Incorporated overseeing all lab operations, outside research planning and funding for cotton textile applications, as well as the Textile Chemistry Research Department, where the focus is on sustainable wet processing technology for cotton from preparation through finishing. Mary has held various research positions within […]
Dr. Matthew Hardwick
Dr. Matthew Hardwick, CEO and founder of ResInnova Laboratories, is a thought leader in the field of infection prevention in the healthcare environment of care and is an expert in antimicrobial surface technologies. He has 20 years of academic research experience, at Georgetown University where he completed his PhD in Cell Biology, and at Johns […]
