Sole Peresin’s work connects fundamental materials science with forest resources, manufacturing, industry collaboration and economic development, with a particular emphasis on creating higher-value applications from renewable and underutilized biomass.

At Clemson, Peresin leads the Wood Utilization + Design Institute as the Patricia “Pat” Layton Endowed Director, which connects research, education, industry and economic development to advance innovation and market opportunities for wood and renewable forest resources. She is also leading efforts to strengthen collaboration across the Southern forest-products ecosystem, bringing together universities, industry, forest landowners, public agencies, investors and other stakeholders to accelerate the translation of forest-based innovation into new products, manufacturing opportunities and markets. Additionally, she is a professor in forestry and environmental conservation and materials science and engineering.

Her research program focuses on the valorization of lignocellulosic resources and the development of renewable materials and technologies, including nanocellulose, bio-based polymers and composites, sustainable packaging, engineered wood products, forest-derived chemicals, and functional materials for environmental and other advanced applications. Her work emphasizes translating fundamental science into scalable solutions and creating alternatives to petroleum-derived materials.

Before joining Clemson University, Peresin was a professor of forest biomaterials at Auburn University, with an affiliate appointment in chemical engineering. Earlier in her career, she spent several years in Finland as a senior scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, where she worked at the intersection of cellulose science, fiber-based materials and industrial innovation.

Peresin has authored more than 85 peer-reviewed publications and has led or contributed to interdisciplinary research supported by federal agencies and industry.