The Wilson College of Textiles is mourning the loss of Professor Emeritus and former head of the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS), Mansour H. Mohamed. 

An unmatched contributor to the field of textile engineering and technology, Mohamed served the Wilson College of Textiles for nearly 30 years as a mentor and researcher. Read about his rise through academia and his industry-defining research below.

Journey to the Wilson College

Hailing from Alexandria, Egypt, Mohamed earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Alexandria University in 1959. He taught for three years before he was granted a government fellowship to study abroad; he was admitted to University of Manchester University in England as a graduate student, where he earned a postgraduate diploma. 

Mohamed received his Ph.D. in textile engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in 1965. He returned to Alexandria to teach in the textile engineering department of Alexandria University, Egypt for four years. 

In 1967, what was then the School of Textiles approved its Ph.D. in fiber and polymer science and began hiring new faculty members to support the brand-new program. Mohamed arrived in August 1969 and served for three and a half years as a visiting faculty member. He was appointed associate professor in 1973, then appointed professor in 1976. 

Accelerating and acclaim 

When Dame Hamby became dean of what was then the School of Textiles in 1981, Mohamed accepted the position of associate dean for academic programs in addition to his research and teaching duties. In this role, he was instrumental in getting the textile engineering degree program off the ground. Mohamed served as the director of the new textile engineering program for six years, which is currently the only ABET-accredited program of its kind in the United States.

Mohamed was named department head of TECS in 1994. His work in open-end spinning and improved weaving brought national notoriety to what was then the School of Textiles. During his time in the field, he was regarded internationally as an expert on weaving technology, woven and nonwoven fabrics and 3D weaving and composite structures.

“The loss of Dr. Mohamed is met with profound sadness, as I lost a mentor, colleague and friend. The Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University and the international textile community have lost one of their lead pioneers,” said Cannon Distinguished Professor of Textiles Abdel-Fattah Seyam, who worked with Mohamed in the college for many years.

When NASA funded a joint research center with NC State and the NC Agricultural and Technical State University in 1989, Mohamed studied 3D weaving and braiding to make lightweight structures intended for Mars exploration.

In 1991, he was named Burlington Professor of Textile Engineering and Technology, a professorship awarded to faculty contributing exceptionally to the field. He received the Outstanding Extension Service Award from NC State as well as the NC State Distinguished Scholarly Achievement Award. He was also awarded the Fellowship of The Textile Institute, the highest award from the largest professional body in the field.

“Not only did he teach and mentor scores of students from around the world, he built a distinguished international reputation for his research in 3D weaving and composites as the Burlington Distinguished Professor. That research led to successful launches of startup companies. His leadership in administration was equally important to the growth of the college,” said Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean David Hinks.

Leaving an impact

Mohamed’s work was published in The Textile Research Journal, The Journal of The Textile Institute and many more industry-leading publications. He has also co-authored five books, three in Arabic and two in English.

He held 10 patents on 3D weaving and multi-axial 3D fabric, as well as three patents on automated suturing devices. Mohamed also founded two companies, 3D Composites, Inc. and 3TEX, Inc., and was vice president of iSuturing, LLC. 

Mohamed retired from NC State and what was then the College of Textiles in 1998 and was named professor emeritus. His work was foundational to our modern understanding and applications of textile technology and engineering, and his commitment to his students and community were apparent throughout his 29 years of service.  

“While his passing leaves a tremendous void and sadness, his legacy will live on through the countless undergraduate and graduate students he educated, the colleagues he mentored, the innovations he championed and the lives he touched. It was an honor to call him my colleague, my collaborator, my mentor and my friend. I will miss him deeply, and I will always cherish the privilege of having shared part of my professional journey with him,” said Seyam. 

“Dr. Mansour Mohamed was one of the most beloved and impactful faculty members in the history of the Wilson College of Textiles. He was a kind and generous colleague and friend who will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Hinks.