Byrd named TAPPI Fellow

Dr. Medwick V. Byrd, director of undergraduate programs in paper science and engineering at North Carolina State University, has been named a Fellow of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) for 2014.

Byrd is a teaching associate professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State, which offers a paper science and engineering degree program. He has been a member of TAPPI for nearly three decades and has served on the Nonwood Plant Fibers Committee and Student Summit Planning Committee.

Byrd earned bachelor’s degrees in pulp and paper technology and chemical engineering, a master’s in wood and paper science and a PhD in wood and paper science, all from NC State. After working for Buckeye Cellulose and Black & Veatch Engineers, he returned to NC State to start a new pilot plant facility and serve as the director of applied research.

He has a research interest in the sustainable processing of agricultural residues and holds a patent for the simple pulping and bleaching of corn stalk and other agricultural residues. He was named an Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor in 2011.

The distinction of Fellow is an honorary title bestowed upon a small percentage of TAPPI’s membership and is given to individuals who have made extraordinary technical or service contributions to the industry and/or the Association.

Twelve individuals have been named 2014 Fellows of TAPPI, the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and converting industries.