By Hamdy Khalil and Mark Polster

Hamdy Khalil is the senior global director for Advanced Technologies and Innovation at Woodbridge Foam Corp. His pioneering work in the selection, development and commercialization of renewable polyurethane materials for use in automotive interior parts is now the benchmark for the global automotive industry. Khalil also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Guelph; is a member of the board of directors of the Center for Research in the Bio Economy and the Ontario BioAutocouncil; a member of the National Research Council’s steering committee for bio-product development; and a member of the scientific advisory panel for ArboraNano. Khalil holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and physics from the University of Alexandria and a Master of Science in nutritional biochemistry from the University of Cairo.

Mark Polster is an emissions test technology expert for Ford Motor Co., responsible for Radio Frequency, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Pass-By-Noise, and Vehicle Interior Air Quality Homologation and Compliance. For the past 16 years, Mark focused his career on the development and implementation of fuel economy, tailpipe emissions and ambient air measurement systems. His research and published results shaped many international standards and governmental air quality requirements. Polster is chair of the Society of Automotive Engineers’ Volatile Organic Compounds Committee and the U.S. representative on the United Nations/ISO Working Party on Pollution and Energy committee for vehicle interior air quality.