Ramani Narayan is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. He is an internationally acclaimed thought leader and expert in bioplastics, focusing on the manufacture of biobased and compostable plastics. His research encompasses design and manufacture of biofiber composites for auto and industrial applications. He is involved with measurements and reporting of biobased carbon and environmental footprint using LCA tools.  He received an M.S. degree in organic chemistry and a Ph.D. in polymer science and engineering from Bombay University in India. He is a fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors and the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).He serves as the scientific chair of the Biodegradable Products Institute, North America as well as on the board of ASTM International and was founding chair of the committee on environmentally degradable plastics and biobased products. He received the ASTM Award of Merit, the highest award given by the society to an individual member and was the first recipient of the William N. Findley Award from ASTM for significant contributions to the application of new technologies. His other honors include the James Hammer Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, State of Michigan – Governor’s University Award for Commercialization Excellence, and Michigan Green Chemistry Governor’s award. His awards from MSU include a University Distinguished Faculty Award and a Withrow Distinguished Scholar Award. He received the Fulbright Distinguished Lectureship Chair in Science and Technology Management and Commercialization (University of Lisbon, Portugal).