Sumit Mandal

Dr. Sumit Mandal is an Associate Professor of Textile Science at Oklahoma State University (OSU) whose internationally recognized leadership in protective clothing research, functional textiles, and nanotechnology has significantly advanced firefighter safety, occupational health, and environmental resilience. A Canada Killam Laureate with distinguished academic and research experience spanning Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, India, and the United States, Dr. Mandal has established a globally impactful research program dedicated to developing next-generation personal protective equipment (PPE) for wildland firefighters. His pioneering work integrates advanced nanotextiles and functional materials to engineer innovative protective clothing systems that improve thermal protection, heat stress management, and wearer comfort under extreme wildfire conditions, ultimately enhancing firefighter performance and survivability. Complementing this work, he leads groundbreaking research on particulate-protective clothing designed to reduce firefighters' exposure to hazardous contaminants associated with occupational cancer, translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into practical solutions that safeguard first responders and communities. His exceptional scholarship and leadership have earned numerous prestigious honors, including the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) Rising Star Award, the Oklahoma State University Distinguished Early Career Faculty Award, the OSU College of Education and Human Sciences Marguerite Scruggs Award, the Yvonne Captain Faculty Award for Outstanding Contributions to International Education, the Hind Rattan Award, and the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award. Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Mandal serves as an Associate Editor or Editorial Board Member for five leading international journals, shaping the future of textile science through scholarly leadership while mentoring the next generation of researchers. His visionary, interdisciplinary, and service-driven research continues to strengthen OSU's land-grant mission and position the university at the forefront of innovations that protect lives and advance global public safety.

Research Interests:

Textile & Apparel Science, Textile Engineering & Technology, Protective Textiles & Clothing, Thermal Protective Clothing