Montana State University department head wins international career achievement award

BOZEMAN - The head of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Montana State University won a career achievement award from an international agriculture organization. Dilpreet Bajwa received the A.E. Thompson Career Achievement Award from the Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops.

The award is given to a person who throughout their career has made significant contributions to the development and utilization of industrial crops and products. It is named in honor of research scientist A.E. Thompson for his contributions to the AAIC and the development of industrial crops and products.

To receive the award, nominees must have served at least a decade in research and development, academia or industry, and have a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications, patents, products and development of intellectual property, according to the AAIC's website.

"When faculty receive national recognition for career achievements, it shows that the faculty member is the best in the country," said Brett Gunnink, dean of MSU's Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. "I am very proud of Dr. Bajwa and how his academic achievements advance the academic reputation of the NACOE and MSU."

Bajwa's research focus includes the use of natural fibers for designing engineered composites, biodegradable hydromulches and nanocellulosic materials for the development of safe, effective and sustainable biobased products for high-end engineering applications. His career-to-date research funding exceeds $50.5 million. Last year, he was elected as fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science. Bajwa has mentored and supervised 48 graduate students, 30 undergraduates and nine postdoctoral researchers.

"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," wrote Ana Luisa Fernando, past president of the AAIC, in a letter of support for Bajwa's nomination for the award. "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 Ph.D. in wood science and engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2000. He has been head of MSU's Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering since 2021.