Dennis has been increasingly engaged with IPST and the forest bioproducts industry in recent years through his investigations of thin film and coating processes as related to the surface modification of cellulosic materials. Fundamental chemical and physical properties of the films are explored in order to devise unique film materials and processing sequences relevant to value-added products including paper and paperboard. His research has included paper coatings which are superhydrophobic, hydrophobic, oleophobic, and superoleophobic.

"The Linford recognition means a great deal to me because it acknowledges both my academic career and my involvement in educational and professional development activities within The Electrochemical Society," Hess says. “Similarly, I have highly valued the networking and journal editorial opportunities I have experienced over the years within the American Chemical Society.”