Dr. Sitaram Rampalli (RAM) is an expert in polymers and plastics technology and inventor with six United States and international patents to his credit.

He spent the last 25 years of his career on the research and development as well as applications of various polymers for telecommunications products used in wired and wireless communications. His core competencies are in the areas of materials selection, evaluation, characterization, structure-property relationship studies, polymer degradation and stabilization, thermoplastic extrusion, polymer foams and fire retardant compounds. He also spent a significant amount of time on cost reduction aspects pertaining to materials and processes. These skills add value in the design and development of new and novel products for telecommunications equipment applications in particular and many other products where polymers and plastics are used in general.

In addition to the industrial problem solving aspects involving polymers and plastics, Dr. Ram has developed graduate level courses on Polymer Characterization and Analysis and a laboratory course on Characterization of Coatings and taught these courses at Illinois Institute of Technology and DePaul University for a number of years. Ram has presented several seminars and webinars on polymer selection for wire, cable and telecommunications products, polymer characterization and product failure. He has published and presented papers at scientific publications and meetings.

Dr. Ram holds two master's degrees - one in Polymer Science and another in Analytical Chemistry as well as a Ph. D. in Analytical Chemistry. A combination of these academic degrees with his extensive experience has equipped him with a broad knowledge and background in various aspects of polymers, plastics and a variety of inorganic as well as organic chemicals.

Dr. Ram has spent a considerable amount of time in training and mentoring of technicians and production personnel. He coordinated research and developmental activities with a variety of external contract research laboratories and independent consultants. He has considerable experience in working with various cross-functional teams, notably offering assistance to procurement and marketing staff.

He is a member of American Chemical Society and Society of Plastics Engineers