Dr. Jim Frederick, Director of the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) said, “Art is a highly talented researcher and the industry and his students are the direct beneficiaries of his expertise.”

Ragauskas, with almost 20 years of experience in oxidative chemistry, fiber/lignin/cellulose chemistry and biotechnology, is currently pursuing research in the area of carbohydrates. The objective, he explains, is to harness the possibilities inherent in the chemistry of cellulose, the most abundant organic chemical on earth. One area that presents vast opportunities is the use of cellulose to develop new composite materials from which new products can be designed and produced. An example is so-called plastic wood, a unique product that is produced by imparting the natural qualities of the wood fiber onto synthetic plastic (or to other substances, as the case may be). These composite products often have far great value than either product alone. A need exists for solid fundamental research in this area in order to transfer the potential of biotechnology from the laboratory to commercial applications. Additional ongoing studies include innovative fiber modification and nanotechnologies, novel fiber bonding fillers, and low capital pulping/bleaching technologies.

Dr. Ragauskas as well as being a talented researcher is also known for his teaching and mentoring skills. His students do very well academically and once they join the industry. Dr. Ragauskas says, "My successes come from the successes of my students." His accomplishments have recently been acknowledged at IPST, as he was the recipient of the 1999 IPST Presidents Award for Education and elected the 1999 Teacher of the Year. He was also recently named a Fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science.