Lee Slaven, Bamboo fiber technologist
The Fibers and Composite Manufacturing Facility mourns the sudden death of Leland “Lee” Slaven, who died Dec. 5, 2021. As chief technical officer for Resource Fiber, Slaven was a key collaborator with the University of Tennessee, IACMI and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in bio-composites research, specializing in bamboo-based materials.
Slaven mentored generations of FCMF students while advancing sustainable composite technologies. His work spanned multiple industries, including transportation infrastructure, automotive and sporting goods. Notable projects included bamboo composite truck trailer decking, railroad ties and ballistic panels.