Profile

Dr. Michael Kocurek

North Carolina State University

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TAPPI MEMBER

Contact Details

North Carolina State University

Bio

Professor Emeritus of Paper Science & Engineering at North Carolina State University, is one of the world’s most recognized educators in the pulp and paper industry. His focus is on Pulp & Paper Technology, Linerboard Manufacture, Tissue Manufacture, Paper Properties, and Workforce and Professional Development. He has taught students and over 5,000 industry operators and professionals at over 200+ mills and 50 paper industry corporations, government and other organizations, including TAPPI, the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American and Forest Association (AF&PA); in addition to his teaching of undergraduate and graduate students since 1970. He has developed 7 distance E- learning P&P technical courses under a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant at Coastal Alabama.
He has taught TAPPI’s oldest and highly ranked short course on Introduction to Pulp & Paper Technology for 44 years. He is the editor of 11 books, including the recognized Pulp and Paper Manufacture series covering the entire field of pulp & paper. He has authored / co-authored 25 video publications, including the Introduction to Pulp & Paper series- again covering the entire field of pulp & paper.
Dr. Kocurek received his B.S., M.S., and PhD degrees in Paper Science & Engineering from the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, and Syracuse University. He has served as Paper Science Department Head at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, an academic program he founded; and NC State University. He has also served as Executive Director of the Herty Foundation, an authority agency of the State of Georgia. While at Herty, he oversaw a $27 million modernization of the laboratory, creating the largest pilot scale P&P and advanced fiber development center in the US.
His honors include TAPPI Fellow, TAPPI Distinguished Service Award, TAPPI
Paper and Board Division Technical Achievement Award ;and induction into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame – an honor bestowed to recognize people who have made preeminent contributions to the global paper industry.