Fargo, N.D. –– Products Finishing magazine highlights the Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials (CPM) at NDSU in a recent article titled “Schools of Thought: More colleges offering programs in coatings; Coating companies using college labs for research.”

The article notes the CPM’s successful track record conducting coatings research for industry and government, as well as research opportunities available for NDSU students. “The demand for coating and polymer expertise exceeds the supply,” says Dr. Victoria Johnston Gelling, an assistant professor in the NDSU department, who is quoted in the article. “Our graduates are especially sought after by the coatings and chemical industries.”

Graduate students from the U.S., Asia, Europe, South and Central Americas are involved in the program. Graduates of the department work in a variety of settings, from paint companies to industry to cosmetics.

Internationally known for its excellent educational and research programs, the NDSU Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials has developed close partnerships with industry and government agencies. The magazine article notes that the NDSU Department maintains an industry advisory panel that includes 3M, Valspar, Cytec, Rohm and Haas, Toyota, Akzo, Bayer, BASF, Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Phoenix, Tecton, Air Products, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force, along with others.

The NDSU Coatings and Polymeric Materials Department includes eight professors, five postdoctoral researchers and 30 graduate students, in addition to undergraduate students. The Department includes the North Dakota Economic Development Center of Excellence for Surface Protection, a program initiated by former Governor, now U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, and the North Dakota Legislature. The Center provides companies an opportunity to partner with NDSU in coatings research and testing.

In the Products Finishing article, CPM Department Chair Stuart Croll points out the prevalence of coatings on materials used every day. “Coating science remains a fertile and interesting field because many modern inventions require protection, appearance or a special function provided by coatings.”

http://www.pfonline.com/articles/schools-of-thought-more-colleges-offering-programs-in-coatings