It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Professor Long Bai, a highly esteemed faculty member at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University. A doctoral advisor in biomaterial engineering and a national young talent awardee, Professor Bai passed away at 10:40 AM on August 5, 2024, in Suihua City, at the age of 36.
Long Bai was born on April 16, 1988. He earned his BSc in 2011 from the College of Materials Science and Engineering at Northeast Forestry University and continued at the same institution to receive his PhD in Biomaterials Engineering in 2016. He furthered his research as a visiting scholar in the lab of Prof. D. Julian McClements at the Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts. From 2017 to 2020, he was a postdoctoral fellow under the mentorship of Prof. Orlando Rojas at Aalto University, Finland, and later joined Prof. Rojas at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Bioproducts Institute (2020–2021). In March 2021, he returned to his alma mater as a Cheng Dong Outstanding Young Scholar in the School of Materials Science and Engineering.
Professor Bai dedicated his life to teaching and research in the field of biobased materials. He made significant contributions to the scientific community, particularly in the study of nanocellulose, with a focus on the fundamental and applied aspects of Pickering emulsions and other multiphase systems. His diligent work and selfless dedication made him a beloved figure among students and colleagues alike. Known for his optimism and grace in overcoming challenges, he inspired all who knew him.
We cherish the memory of Professor Long Bai, who is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Siqi Huan, also a professor at Northeast Forestry University and former postdoctoral fellow in Aalto University and UBC. Our deepest sympathies are with her. The couple was blessed with a son, Hehan, who passed away alongside his grandmother, Siqi’s mother, in the same unexpected event. Friends and colleagues join together in prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time for Siqi and her family.
With heartfelt condolences,
Orlando Rojas, BiCMat Group & BPI Team