Originally from Mumbai, India Ajit received his M.Sc.(Honors) degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, M.S from University of Maine, Orono, ME, and a Ph.D in chemistry from the University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS. Ajit completed his Post Doctoral research in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS. He worked in the Pulp and Paper industry with Olin Corporation, Glatfelter and Ecusta Corporation in Pisgah Forest, NC. Ajit has a great passion for teaching, research, and enjoys consulting in the area of Pulp and Paper Technology, especially Non Wood Fibers. Ajit lives in Cary, NC, with his family.