alexander a. koukoulas ph.d .
Managing Director at A2K Consultants LLC
managing director , a2k consultant llc
consultant , business leader , innovator passion helping others successful . work entrepreneur , project developer , company leader deliver transformative business solution , innovative new product , value-added service .
A2K Consultants LLC
https://www.linkedin.com/company/a2k-consultants
Founder of a consulting group delivering innovative solutions to the nonwovens, pulp & paper, chemicals & biofuels industries, including techno-economic analysis, due diligence, market intelligence and new business development.
Savannah, Georgia
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Managing Director
Herty Advanced Materials Development Center
https://www.linkedin.com/company/herty-advanced-materials-development-center
Senior executive responsible for leading one of the premiere contract research and manufacturing organizations in the United States. Responsible for all business operations and for positioning the organization for future growth.
Savannah, Georgia
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President & CEO
Albany International Corporation
https://www.linkedin.com/company/albany-international
Senior manager responsible for global R&D, new product development, corporate engineering and intellectual property for the world’s largest manufacturer of engineered textiles.
Mansfield, MA
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Vice-President and Executive Director R&D
International Paper Company
https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-paper
Senior technology manager responsible for R&D and new product development for the world's largest pulp and paper manufacturer.
Loveland, OH
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Director of Research
Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada (PAPRICAN)
Developed research programs in aqueous coating, paper physics, optics, and surface science, leading to improved performance of coating operations; led research designed to understand the interaction coating structure, coating processes and end-use performance, and worked with several member companies to commercialize novel printing papers and barrier packaging products; created a molecular modeling research team to characterize small molecules used in enzymatic bio-bleaching.
Pointe Claire, Quebec
Group Leader, Coatings Research
Ph.D.
Chemistry
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McGill University
https://www.linkedin.com/school/mcgill-university/
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Sloan School of Management
https://www.linkedin.com/school/mit-sloan-school-of-management/
The EU's Biorefinery Initiative under the FP7 funding framework supported three major multi-year projects:

Biocore         http://www.biocore-europe.org/
EuroBioRef   http://www.eurobioref.org/
SupraBio      http://www.suprabio.eu/biorefineries/
European Commission Energy Directorate
Review Panel Chair, Sustainable Biorefinery Initiative
TAPPI
Past-Chair, International Research Management Committee
Growing concerns for the environment have led to unprecedented changes in consumer behavior and government policy. Corporations have responded to these changes by developing and applying strategies that can enhance the sustainability of their manufacturing processes and their products. In the nonwovens industry, a natural consequence of both changing consumer attitudes and government policies protecting the environment will be the migration away from petroleum-based fibers and the expanded use of bio-based alternatives, including wood and agricultural fibers and advanced fibers that are derived from biomass sources. In this regard, wetlaid manufacturing processes will provide a proven foundation for enabling companies to deliver sustainably-derived products that can satisfy evolving consumer demands. This presentation will examine current applications in wet-laid manufacturing and the use of renewable fibers in the nonwovens industry.
Nonwovens and the Sustainability Imperative
INDA
https://www.inda.org/events/rise17/speaker.php?sp=1149
A Critical Look at Cellulosic Ethanol and Other Advanced Biofuels
Biofuels Digest
http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2016/12/12/a-critical-look-at-cellulosic-ethanol-and-other-advanced-biofuels/
Microbially derived alkanes and their derivatives are recognized as promising alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and chemicals. We review recent developments in their production, assess progress, and their potential against conventional bioethanol fermentation pathways. The success rate of genetic engineering efforts and their commercialization prospects are assessed, as well as challenges for producing fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. Although significant progress has been made in the genetic engineering of microbes used in the production of long-chain hydrocarbons and their derivatives, titer and yield of these biomolecules are currently too low to compete with petroleum-derived products. As for microbially derived isoprenoids or fatty acids, the inherent complexity of micro-organism development will continue to present formidable challenges, making it highly unlikely of any short-term commercial take off. Nonetheless, first generation bioethanol (starch/sugar based) production is commercially established and therefore continued advancements in chemical synthesis should enable broad-scale use of bio-ethanol as a chemical feedstock for the production of advanced biofuels including butanol and other long-chain hydrocarbons.
Can microbially derived advanced biofuels ever compete with conventional bioethanol? A critical review
BioResources
https://www.ncsu.edu/bioresources/BioRes_11/BioRes_11_4_10711_Veettil_KK_Microbially_Derived_Advanced_Biofuels_Review_9956%20AAK.pdf
Wet-laid forming, which can be regarded as being analogous to conventional papermaking processes but with use of chopped synthetic or staple fibers, continues to draw attention as an advantageous way to prepare advanced nonwoven textile products.  This review of the literature considers scientific advances in the field, with emphasis placed on applications involving cellulosic fibers as a significant component of the product.  Some primary challenges with respect to wet-laid processing concern the dispersion of the synthetic fibers in aqueous media and methods for avoiding their subsequent entanglement.  Both mechanical and chemical strategies have been employed in order to achieve well-formed sheets of high uniformity and binding among the fibers to meet a variety of end-use specifications.  The incorporation of cellulosic fibers has been shown to facilitate fiber dispersion and to impart certain beneficial characteristics and properties to wet-laid fabrics.  The contrasting attributes of synthetic and cellulosic fibers contribute to some unique challenges during the processing of their mixtures during wet-laid forming.
Wet-laid nonwovens manufacture - Chemical approaches using synthetic and cellulosic fibers
BioResources Journal
https://www.ncsu.edu/bioresources/BioRes_11/BioRes_11_2_5500_Review_Hubbe_Koukoulas_Wetlaid_Nonwoven_Manufac_Chem_Approaches_8698
As the global demand for biomass-derived energy pellets continues to expand, industry focus is expected to quickly migrate from project development to ways of lowering operating costs. Process optimization and the utilization of low-cost feedstocks are expected to be of special interest. This new focus will present opportunities for targeted research that can utilize low-value wood and biomass feedstocks, increase yields, and improve product quality.
Approaches to energy pellet cost and quality optimization
BioResources
https://www.ncsu.edu/bioresources/BioRes_10/BioRes_10_4_6318_Editorial_Ali_Koukoulas_Energy_Pellet_Cost_Quality_Optimization_7570.pdf
Only 25% of new ideas lead to commercial products and only half of these are considered “successful” new product launches. Externalization of R&D can help by effectively “de-risking” the process and assessing breakthrough technologies at the proper scale.
New Product Innovation in the Forest Products Industry
Paper360°
http://www.nxtbook.com/naylor/PPIS/PPIS0513/index.php?startid=8
This review article highlights progress in understanding the optical properties of paper.  Paper’s appearance can be defined in terms of its opacity, brightness, color, fluorescent properties, gloss, and various quantities related to its uniformity.  The phenomena that give rise to paper’s optical properties, especially its ability to scatter and absorb visible light, are highly dependent on paper’s structure and its chemical composition.  In an effort to engineer low-cost products having relative high opacity and brightness, it is necessary to optimize the sizes of solid materials and void volumes within the paper.  Additives that have major effects on paper’s appearance include bleaching agents, mineral particles, dyes, and fluorescent whitening agents.  Paper’s appearance also can depend, in subtle ways, on the processes of its manufacture.
Paper's appearance: A review
BioResources
https://www.ncsu.edu/bioresources/BioRes_03/BioRes_03_2_0627_Hubbe_PK_PapersAppearance_Review.pdf
Forest products companies will want to pay attention to cellulosic ethanol and bioenergy development. The technologies that are being developed could be very complementary to the asset base of the industry, by providing both energy offsets and new revenue streams. In either case, the development of biofuel and bioenergy from wood will place pressure on a strategic industry resource. On the other hand, an emerging biofuels industry based on cellulose could shape a businesss model that redefines the very nature of our forest products industry.
Cellulosic Biorefineries – Charting a New Course for Wood Use
Pulp & Paper Canada
http://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/innovation/cellulosic-biorefineries-1000215831
This article examines the impact of the landmark $150 million decision made in Nichia vs. Nakamura and the impact it may have on employee agreements and compensation made to inventors working in corporate RD&E organizations. As U.S. companies look to off-shore their R&D capabilities and gain access to foreign talent and perhaps the benefits of lower costs and improved market access, senior managers will always need to consider the question of local intellectual property laws and specifically laws protecting inventor's rights. This will be especially important to multinationals with global RD&E capabilities that are looking to establish global guidelines for employment agreements.
Should change to 1921 Japan IP law concern U.S. R&D?
Research-Technology Management
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Should+change+to+1921+Japan+IP+law+concern+U.S.+R%26D%3F-a0155475119
American Chemical Society
Outstanding Symposium Lecture Recognition
Coffee Fest Las Vegas awards 2nd Prize (New Product) to International Paper's KX2 coffee cup development team. "The new KX2 cup and lid system is a unique paper cup that provides the consumer with a cooler, more comfortable cup by limiting the level of heat transference. Its non-slip, textured surface also makes is easier to grip and boasts of a tighter-fitting lid. The new design also eliminates the need for paper cup sleeves to protect hands from hot cup contents."
Coffee Fest
Best New Product
"Torrefaction: A Pathway Towards Fungible Biomass Feedstocks?," Advanced Bioeconomy Feedstocks Conference 2016, Miami, June 2016.

"Wet-laid Forming in the Nonwovens Industry: Where Do We Go from Here?," INDA RISE 2016, New Orleans, January 2016.

“The Transformation of the Forest Products Industry and Opportunities for Bio-based Chemicals,” Advanced Bioeconomy Feedstocks Conference, New Orleans, June 2015.

“Innovation in the Non-wovens Industry: How Megatrends Will Impact Our Future, or Not!” TAPPI Nonwovens Engineers and Technologists, Innovative Nonwovens Conference, Atlanta, April 2015.

“Dr. Charles H. Herty and the Continued Need for Innovation in the Forest Products Industry,” Association of Consulting Foresters, Savannah, June 2014.
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Selected Invited Talks:
National consortium whose goal is to spearhead the development of commercially-viable, advanced wood-to-energy products that can be produced from low-value trees and forest residues that can compromise forest health and increase the frequency of wildfires.
Co-Founder, Consortium for Advanced Wood-to-Energy Solutions (CAWES)
http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/11127/herty-launches-consortium-for-advanced-wood-to-energy-solutions
Flambeau River BioFuels received approval of its $30 million grant request from the U.S. Department of Energy to construct and operate a first- in-class biorefinery at an existing pulp and paper mill in Park Falls, Wisconsin.
Flambeau River Biofuels Demonstration Project
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-department-of-energy-awards-flambeau-river-biofuels-a-grant-to-construct-first-in-class-facility-for-production-of-renewable-diesel-to-be-co-located-at-pulp-and-paper-mill-in-park-falls-wi-64911787.html
Chevron Corp. and Weyerhaeuser Co. create joint-venture, Catchlight Energy LLC, a research and development company working to convert cellulosic biofuels into low-carbon biofuels.
Catchlight Energy - Due Dilligence
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/weyerhaeuser-chevron-form-biofuels-venture/
Science and Technology
TAPPI
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tappi
Long-time committee member and former Chairman (2010-11). Organized annual meetings in Vittorio, Brazil (2011) and Oak Ridge,TN (2012). Helped to expand international reach and membership.
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International Research Management Committee
Science and Technology
The Ocean Exchange (tm)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ocean-exchange-tm-
OceanExchange.org helps advance the adoption of innovative technical solutions in the field of sustainability. It recognizes and provides funding to companies with solutions that reduce waste and the use of nature’s resources while increasing productivity and respecting cultures around the world. Ocean Exchange hosts an annual event in Savannah, GA each fall where at least ten finalists pitch, competing for one of two $100,000 cash awards. Presentations are done in front of 100-150 hand-selected delegates from business, government, and academia who vote who receives the awards.
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Solution Review Panel
Science and Technology
Consortium for Advanced Wood to Energy Solutions (CAWES)
The Consortium for Advanced Wood-to-Energy Solutions (CAWES) is an open-platform collaboration of institutions in the public and private sectors representing green energy, forest management, research, philanthropy, and private industry committed to advancing sustainable, scalable, distributed wood-to-energy solutions that stimulate forest restoration and rural economic development through research and application of advanced wood-to-energy solutions.  Founding partners include the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment) and the USDA Forest Service - Forest Products Laboratory (FPL).
Founder | Steering Committee
Science and Technology
Innovative Green Wood Fibre Products Network
The Green Fibre Network is a pan-Canadian research effort funded Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) under the Forest Innovation by Research and Education (FIBRE). The Green Fibre Network focuses on promoting the “green” nature of cellulose-based products through the development of new wood-fibre based products that can replace fossil fuel-based products. Examples may include paper-based or 3D moulded-fibre packaging with improved barrier properties to replace plastic and Styrofoam for containing food products. Other examples may include the development of bio-active papers for agriculture, paper-based films as well as paper for industrial packaging etc. Developing new profitable products will be crucial for survival and for transforming the pulp and paper industry.
Board of Directors
Social Services
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (Weston, MA)
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church is a dynamic parish, devoted to the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church and it's celebration of the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Parish Council is the administrative body of the church. In addition to these responsibilities, the Council also led in the construction of a new Sanctuary, which was completed in May 2013. My most memorable times at St. Demetrios involved work with our Miracle Kitchen group, which provided meals to the homeless in Framingham.
Parish Council
Social Services
St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church
St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church is the spiritual home to Orthodox Christians in the Greater Savannah Area. For over 100 years, St. Paul’s has been an integral part of the community, hosting a range of spiritual, philanthropic and cultural events. As a member of the Parish Council, I lead St. Paul's Outreach Programs and Stewardship Committee.
Parish Council Treasurer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-alexander-347206151
Lexington County, SC
K. Alexander
Master Your Talents
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgalavrenova
Greater Chicago Area
Olga Lavrenova
Global Mobility Manager within PwC's People and Organization Practice
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-keeler-75ab2b56
Johnson City, TN
Scott Keeler
Senior Vice President/ GM at HDK Industries, Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-weissman-ba6675108
Washington DC-Baltimore Area
Gregory Weissman
Senior Project Manager at Management Systems International
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lee-dacey-10375815
Newquay
Lee Dacey
CEO of Green Star BCS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-anreder-74185147
Brooklyn, NY
Henry Anreder
Solar project development
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-zarraga-3a7218bb
Greater Chicago Area
Julie Zarraga
VP of Engineering at LanzaTech
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvette-giove-3053b491
Greater Boston
Yvette Giove
First Vice President, Associate Regional Business Service Officer at Morgan Stanley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-huang-0858b13
San Francisco Bay Area
Brian Huang
Power Systems Applications Engineer at Intel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-gilbert-83594320
United States
Wendy Gilbert
Experienced analyst with extensive experience in customer relations, vendor management, billing processes, and finance.
https://fr.linkedin.com/in/christelle-mateo-michaud-27a13638
Greater Bordeaux Metropolitan Area
Christelle MATEO MICHAUD
R&D lab manager chez Rayonier Advanced Materials
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcanthony-koukoulas-4293937a
Greater Boston
MarcAnthony Koukoulas
Senior Process Engineer at Innovative Design Engineering Assoc. (IDEA)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyhaneh-shenassa-91842120a
Charlotte, NC
Reyhaneh Shenassa
Chief Engineer at Bioenergy Technologies Office, at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-k-colter
Savannah, GA
Dale Colter
Leadership Consultant at DKColter Consulting, LLC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-triantafillou
Cambridge, MA
Nicholas Triantafillou
Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Georgia - Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdtriantafillou
Portland, OR
Nicholas Triantafillou
Founder, CEO at SxemaTek LLC
https://au.linkedin.com/in/nicktriantafillou
Greater Sydney Area
Nick Triantafillou
Cloud Engineer and AWS Community Builder
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-engel-ph-d-3030a8b
Greater Houston
David Engel, Ph.D.
Managing Director at Nexo Solutions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanarmasu
New York City Metropolitan Area
Ryan V Armasu
Managing Director at Lexden Capital
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethkiner
Los Angeles Metropolitan Area
Seth Kiner
Global Energy & Utility Strategic Advisor | Digital Transformation | Innovation | Customer Experience
Liked by Alexander A. Koukoulas Ph.D.
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Landing a job is a factor of: who you know, what you know, and how well you can navigate the professional world. TLDR: networks get you hired…
Shared by Alexander A. Koukoulas Ph.D.
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Time to celebrate!
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If history is our guide, powerful geopolitical forces will shape the future of renewable energy begging the question: will the age of green energy…
Leaders in Energy Research, Communications, Policies & Analysis
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Bioenergy, by Biofuels Digest
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Nonwovens Industry
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1775410
EDANA, the voice of nonwovens
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Desalination
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/146536
Biomass Torrefaction GVB
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Pulp and Paper Entrepreneurs
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Global Filtration Professionals
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2219249
Innovation in Textiles
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McGill University Alumni
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/49847
AIChE Forest Bioproducts Division
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Allen Austin Power & Cleantech
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