Fred L. Cook, known for his wide ranging contributions to the fields of polymer/textile chemistry applied to sustainable developments in textile/carpet wet processes and novel fiber/materials innovations, is the 2015 recipient of the Olney Medal. The Olney Medal, the highest award presented by AATCC, is for outstanding achievement in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of chemistry of major importance to textile science.
He is a professor and associate chair for undergraduate programs in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech. Cook’s work over the past 40 years has spanned a broad range of interests, pivoting around sustainable textile/carpet wet process developments and novel fiber/materials innovations. His pioneering work on energy-conservation and sustainable dyeing technologies is of major interest and practicality for the textile/carpet industries. Cook’s work has exemplified the importance of visionary thinking in turning ideas tested in the laboratory into practical products and processes.
Cook has been an actively participating member of AATCC since 1968. He has served the Association in many roles, helping to achieve significant milestones, including serving as AATCC President (2009-2010), serving on the AATCC Board of Directors, and chairing and serving on numerous research and administrative committees, including the Executive Committee on Research (ECR).
Presentation of the medal each year is a highlight of AATCC’s International year, the conference will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, VA. The Olney Medal was established in 1944 in honor of Louis Atwell Olney, the founder and first president of AATCC. The Olney Medal recognizes outstanding achievement in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of chemistry of major importance to textile science.
About the School of Materials Science and Engineering
The School of Materials Science and Engineering was founded in 1985 by combining the former School of Ceramic Engineering, with the Metallurgy Program housed in the School of Chemical Engineering. In 2010, MSE merged with the School of Polymer, Textile and Fiber Engineering, established in 1897 as the Textile Engineering program, the third school at GT. Today, both the undergraduate and graduate MSE programs at GT are ranked in the top ten, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings. It is one of the largest materials programs in the country in terms of faculty (FTE) numbers and diverse research expertise focusing on all classes and forms of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, fibers, composites, nanostructures, and bio-enabled/biomimetic materials.
About AATCC:
AATCC, the Association of Textile, Apparel & Materials Professionals, is the world’s leading not-for-profit association serving textile professionals since 1921.