Rafael is an associate professor in the School of Packaging, MSU, East Lansing, MI, USA. He holds a BSChE from the National University of Misiones, Argentina, a MS in Materials Science and Technology from the National University of San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a Ph.D. in Packaging Science from the School of Packaging, MSU. He teaches courses in polymers, shelf life, instrumental analysis, life cycle assessment, and packaging and the environment. His research interests include sustainable packaging systems, life cycle assessment, carbon-neutral packaging, packaging waste scenarios, biodegradation and compostability. Other areas of interest in his research are biodegradable polymers, mass and heat transfer phenomenon in polymers, and food product/package compatibility and interaction.Rafael has authored and coauthored a variety of publications, including peer review articles and chapter books. He reviews project proposal from federal agency such as NSF, USDA, and other organizations and manuscript from international peer review journal publications. He is an active member in the polymer, packaging, and food science fields.
