Vivian Stannett

In 1981 he received North Carolina's top science honor, the North Carolina Science Award and Gold Medal, and in 1995 he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, an organization of the United States National Academies, for advancements in transport processes and radiation chemistry in polymers.

His work in applying membrane science contributed to the development of flame-resistant textiles, plastic bottles that prevent soft drinks from going flat, and super-absorbent paper towels and diapers.

[2] In addition, he researched chemical modifications of cellulose and investigated the application of polymers to textiles, pulp, and paper.

Vivian showed interest in chemistry at an early age and conducted experiments in an abandoned railway car on the family property.

The arsenal lab was damaged by bombs and eventually destroyed by a V-2 rocket; Vivian was transferred to Liverpool, the site of a large ordnance plant and laboratories.

[1] On May 30, 1946, Vivian married Flora Susanne Sulzbacher of Nuremberg, Germany who graduated with a degree in textile chemistry from Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Vivian served as vice provost and dean of NCSU's graduate school from 1975-1982 and helped establish the nation's first doctoral program in textile chemistry.