Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa elevated to Fellow Status in International Academy of Wood Science

Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa, the esteemed head of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering within Montana State University's Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, has received the distinguished honor of being named a fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science (IAWS). This recognition serves as a testament to Bajwa's groundbreaking contributions to the field of wood science research.

The International Academy of Wood Science (IAWS) is a global non-profit organization comprised of wood scientists spanning various domains within the field, aiming to foster collaboration and promote advancements in wood science and its related technologies worldwide. As of June 2023, the academy is led by Dr. Stavros Avramidis, a distinguished Greek-Canadian professor and wood scientist, serving as the 19th President of the IAWS. Alongside him is Dr. Ingo Burgert, a Swiss wood engineer, who currently holds the position of vice-president for the term spanning from 2023 to 2026, ensuring diverse representation and leadership within the organization.

The IAWS, a nonprofit organization that encompasses researchers from various realms of wood science, selects fellows based on their unwavering commitment to scientific excellence. Brett Gunnink, the dean of the engineering college, lauded Bajwa's achievement, emphasizing the significance of this recognition as a culmination of a career marked by sustained dedication and innovation.

Central to Bajwa's research endeavors is the exploration of biobased materials, encompassing wood, fiber composites, and the augmentation of agricultural byproducts, alongside the utilization of biomass for energy storage. Expressing his gratitude for the prestigious accolade, Bajwa articulated his excitement at witnessing their research garnering acknowledgment on an international platform.

Moreover, beyond his role at MSU, Bajwa serves as the editor-in-chief of Elsevier's Industrial Crops and Products journal, further amplifying his impact and influence within the scientific community. With a prolific publication record comprising over 185 peer-reviewed articles and technical papers, as well as holding eight patents, Bajwa's scholarly contributions stand as a testament to his expertise and dedication.

In addition to his research pursuits, Bajwa has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scholars, having mentored and supervised numerous graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral researchers and scholars. His leadership has been instrumental in securing funding for over 44 research projects, with cumulative grants totaling nearly $45 million from prestigious institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa's induction as a fellow of the IAWS underscores his profound impact and leadership within the realm of wood science research, reflecting a career marked by innovation, excellence, and scholarly distinction.