KINGSTON, R.I. – November 27, 2006 – University of Rhode Island Professor Martin Bide has been elected as president of the prestigious textile organization, the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).

Bide begins his two-year term in January with the AATCC, the world’s leading international professional association for textile coloration and testing. He has previously served as the New England vice-president of the organization and as the chair of committees on applied dyeing theory, safety, health and environmental technology, and publications.

“This is an organization that sets world-wide standards in how textile materials are tested, and it has a strong reputation in textile chemical research and education,” Bide said. ”It is a privilege for me to spend two years as president, and I look forward to the opportunity to lead. The organization has an excellent staff at its headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and it will be exciting to work with them to strengthen our mission and reach.”

At URI, Bide is a professor in the department of Textiles, Merchandising and Design where he has conducted research on such areas as dyeing, printing, dyestuff analysis, wool processing, and color science as well as the environmental effects of textile processing.

Bide has broadened his knowledge of dyes and fibers into a major research focus on biomedical textiles and has patented a multi-functional wound dressing and an artificial artery. He is currently working to develop infection-resistant sutures. He teaches courses on topics such as textile performance, textile science, dyeing and finishing and color science. A South Kingstown resident, Bide received his Ph.D. from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom.

The AATC was established in 1921 and is dedicated to education, research, and communication within the industry and consumer environment.

URI News Bureau photo by Michael Salerno Photograpgy