Current Member

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Dionne Mitchell (Master student, 2023 - Present)
co-advised with Dr. Rafael Auras at MSU SoP

[BIO] My name is Dionne Mitchell and I am currently pursuing a Master's in Packaging at Michigan State University through the 3+2 Master's program. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from North Carolina Central University. My interests include advancements in sustainable packaging materials, with a particular interest in natural products for food and medical packaging. In my free time, I enjoy crafting and playing with my dog.

[RESEARCH AREA] My research focuses on the integration of high concentrations of beeswax into Polylactic acid to create biopolymer films for food packaging. Using twin-screw extrusion, cast extrusion, reactive mixing, heated press, etc., I aim to optimize the processing of these composite films to enhance the barrier and mechanical properties of polylactic acid. The goal is to produce an effective bioplastic packaging film that contributes to sustainable packaging solutions. 

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Maede (Venus) Dashtpeima (Master student, 2024 - Present)

[BIO] Maede (Venus) Dashtpeima is a master's student in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. She is originally from Iran and has studied Applied Chemistry at Arak University from 2019 to 2023. 

[RESEARCH AREA] Driven by her passion for the natural world and the impact of industry on it, she works on characterization of the composition and behavior of Packaging-derived Microplastics and Nanoplastics in various environments and analysis of their effects on the natural world and living organisms.

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Anil Patel (Master student, 2024 - Present)

[BIO] My name is Anil Patel, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Packaging Science at Michigan State University, USA. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, India, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Packaging Technology from the Indian Institute of Packaging. With 2.5 years of experience as a Packaging Design Engineer at Procter & Gamble in India, I am passionate about developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Outside of my academic and professional work, I enjoy playing football in my free time.

[RESEARCH AREA] My current research is focused on evaluating the integrity and quality of recyclable retort pouches compared to traditional non-recyclable alternatives. This study aims to identify how sustainable materials can match or surpass the performance of existing non-recyclable pouches, while maintaining product protection and quality. By exploring advances in recyclable materials, my work seeks to contribute to reducing environmental waste and fostering a circular economy in packaging.

 

Undergraduate Researchers

1. Dipankar Roy (Fall 2024 - Present) - Interplay mechanisms between the biofilm and packaging polymers 

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