Two Wilson College Faculty Members Named University Faculty Scholars

Two accomplished faculty members at the Wilson College of Textiles have been recognized for significant contributions in their fields.

Last month, NC State University named Associate Professors Sonja Salmon and Kavita Mathur University Faculty Scholars, a distinction bestowed upon some 20 faculty members from across the campuses each year.

The recognition, established in 2012 by Chancellor Randy Woodson, recognized Salmon and Mathur for their cutting-edge research, mentorship of students, and leadership roles — both at the university and as thought leaders in the broader scientific community.

Together, the duo has raised tens of millions of dollars in research funding, which has helped buoy groundbreaking discovery at the intersection of academia and industry on NC State’s Centennial Campus. 

Both doctoral alumni of NC State, they’ve also simultaneously boosted the Wilson College’s profile as an innovation hub, while molding the next generation of students along the way.

Associate Professor Sonja Salmon

Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science

During her seven years as a full-time faculty member at the Wilson College Salmon has established herself as a thought leader in emerging science surrounding biocatalytic textiles — a major focus on the front lines of combatting climate change using carbon capture technologies.

A longtime veteran at biotech firm Novozymes, Salmon’s tireless work at NC State has attracted more than $11 million in research funding. Those grants and awards have spanned major international and governmental organizations, from the National Science Foundation to U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

In a letter supporting her nomination, textile engineering, chemistry and science department head Emiel DenHartog noted Salmon’s prowess as a “strong and unique researcher” with an “international impact.”

“Dr. Salmon is a rare individual with her ability to be a fantastic researcher who can deliver theoretical breakthroughs to sustain funding from governmental sources while also delivering practically what companies need,” DenHartog wrote.

Recently, Salmon proved integral in the Wilson College securing a grant from the NSF that could total up to $160 million over the next decade — helping to crystallize Salmon’s “far reaching” impact that, Dean David Hinks said, epitomizes NC State’s Think and Do Mindset.

“Dr. Salmon is an exemplary mentor, bringing a belief in each student to her work in the classroom and laboratory,” Hinks wrote. “She is a tireless champion of students, developing them to researchers at every level.”

Between her industry and academic career, Salmon has been issued five patents and filed another 13. 

Associate Professor Kavita Mathur

Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management 

Mathur’s inclusion among this year’s University Faculty Scholars was owed, in large part, to her steadfast research into healthcare textiles.

It’s an increasingly critical focus at the Wilson College, where researchers are focused heavily on wearable sensors, devices and medical textile products.

And it’s an area in which Mathur has emerged as a leading expert. That’s helped her secure more than $6 million in competitive grants from industry and government partners alike, including projects funded through the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA.

“Dr. Mathur is an exceptional academic, a dedicated mentor, and an innovator in technical textile design,” Kristin Thoney Barletta, interim textile and apparel, technology and management department head, wrote in a letter supporting Mathur’s nomination.

Since joining the Wilson College faculty on a full-time basis in 2018, Mathur has designed and developed textile materials to improve sleep and comfort, investigated the antiviral properties of textile substrates, and worked with 3D printing technologies on advanced materials with a wide range of practical applications.

“Her experience in industry innovation provides her with a unique faculty perspective that she brings into the classroom, studio and laboratory,” Dean David Hinks said. 

Specifically, Hinks noted Mathur’s mentorship role that’s seen her lead a study abroad program with the National Institute of Fashion Technology in India, which will ensure future generations of students receive high-impact educational experience in the field.

“She truly excels in teaching and mentoring students at multiple levels,” Hinks added. “Her service is impeccable and her passion for research and innovation is inspiring to me.”