Dr.Gajanan Bhat, Professor in the Material Science and Engineering Department and Director of the UT Nonwovens Research Laboratory

Dr. Gajanan Bhat was nominated for 2009 Chancellor’s Academic Outreach Award. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Textiles and Polymer Sciences from Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA he dedicated his academic career to the University of Tennessee. For almost 20 years at UT he has published 150 works, had 128 conference presentations, taught five classes and found time for extensive Outreach work.

Dr. Bhat is currently serving as the Director of the UT Nonwovens Research Laboratory (UTNRL). In January 2008, he prevented UT from losing the resources that the Textiles and Nonwovens Development Center (TANDEC) offered by creating URNL as a means to replace TANDEC. UTNRL, in addition to serving as a research facility for students and scientists across the campus, has been providing services to industries actively involved in biomedical, energy, and environmental research and product development.

“We have been fortunate to accommodate undergraduate students in doing research on practical things and also interacting with companies who come here to do research. It’s a good exposure for them. Also, every year, we have a group of students from high schools who visit us to see processing and testing activities,“ Dr. Bhat says.

He explains that their processing techniques include making fabrics from plastic. These fabrics are used in special as well as in common applications - protective military garments, air filters, water filters, blood filters, wipes, cleaning wipes, and diapers. Dr. Bhat’s finds his motivation for engagement in material sciences in environmental protection.

“There is so much plastic around us. Everything that we bring home from the grocery store is packed in plastics. We noticed that, because those plastics are similar to those that we are using in nonwovens, they can be used, recycled and converted into fibers. The water bottle or coke bottle can be converted in water filters for your home or air filter for your building.”

Dr. Bhat dedicates a significant portion of his time and professional expertise to assist local companies, even when there is no funding for his efforts.

“You make time to talk to them. And once you get involved – because you are passionate - you spent more time. Then you go back to things that are always there – teaching, writing proposals, doing research. Of course, you don’t miss a class but when you see that it is something that is important, that means something for the community you make time for it.”

Besides working in the laboratory and assisting local companies, Dr. Bhat volunteered for multiple years at the West Valley Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). As the PTSA Legislative Committee chair, he visited legislators at the State Capitol, chaperoned student field trips and gave lectures to students about material science.

“I talk about things that we do and that are at the same time the things that we use at home – wipes, air filters, water filters. It was exciting for them to see what is made at the University and how it applies to their daily life. I like being involved in those activities. It was a natural sequence of things for me. I enjoyed being a part of it.”

For Dr. Bhat helping the community is a mixture of personal satisfaction and fulfillment of University missions.

“It’s a passion. To do certain things is setting priorities and making time for it. There are enough things to make us busy - teaching, research, making proposals - but at the same time, when you are passionate about something, you set priorities and you dedicate your time for it. (…) The University mission is teaching, research and service. Especially when you are contacted by the industry or by the people. They are all taxpayers and we work for the state university. There is an indirect obligation or at least I feel it. If we can do something I am glad to do it. It also improves the image of the University because they feel that the faculty is ready to help the community. “

In the future Dr. Bhat plans to involve more students in the activities by exposing them to University’s activities and by going out and giving lectures on the filed.

Dr. Gajanan Bhat