Michael Timko

Michael T. Timko

Chemical Engineering
William B. Smith Professor and Department Head of Chemical Engineering
EDUCATION
BS Chemical Engineering Ohio State University Honors and Distinction 1998
MS Chemical Engineering Practice Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 2001
PhD Chemical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 2004
Postdoc Harvard University 2004-2006
Expert Bio

Professor Timko studies the environmental and engineering aspects of clean energy technologies, with a specific emphasis on waste reduction. His work involves studying the fundamental chemical engineering science – including transport, phase behavior, and reactor design – to develop new technologies for converting under-utilized energy resources into fuels and chemicals. 

His research includes the development of a chemical process for wastewater treatment that can remove harmful PFAS chemicals from sewage sludge in the waste stream and potentially reduce the amount of energy wastewater treatment facilities use to dispose of sludge.

His work on a project exploring the feasibility of turning plastic waste from waterways into fuel to power the waste cleanup was profiled by WGBH and NBC Boston. He also is involved in analysis of technology to increase polystyrene recycling.

Research areas/Expertise
biofuels
clean energy
renewable energy
Renewable Fuels
Fuel refining and desulfurization
green chemistry.
thermodynamics
Reaction engineering
waste-to-energy technologies
Energy
Carbon emissions/greenhouse gas emissions
Green energy
Clean Technology
PFAS
Chemical Engineering
Climate Tech
sustainability
Digital twins

Media Coverage

See More Media Coverage
International Business Times
Scientists Have Found An Unlikely Alternative To Gasoline. It Could Cost About $2.75 A Gallon

International Business Times and Interesting Engineering reported on research from the Department of Chemical Engineering which demonstrates the potential of bamboo as a sustainable fuel source. A team led by Michael Timko, the William B. Smith Professor of chemical engineering and head of the department, combined laboratory experiments and economic and environmental modeling to demonstrate cost, emissions, and land-use benefits of bamboo-based fuel production compared to petroleum-based fuels.

Additional Publications: Interesting Engineering | Yahoo! News | MSN
Telegram.com
WPI lab's plan to convert PFAS into energy gets $1.5M in funding

Multiple media outlets reported on research efforts led by Michael Timko, the William B. Smith Professor of chemical engineering, to develop technology that destroys harmful PFAS "forever chemicals" which have been linked to serious health conditions. Timko's team has received a $1.5 million federal award to support its efforts to help communities eliminate PFAS contamination in soil and firefighting foam.

 

Additional Publications: Mass Live | WBUR 90.9 | Boston 25 | WBZ News Radio 1030 | Vermont Public Radio | New Hampshire Public Radio | The Worcester Guardian | Connecticut Public Radio

For media inquiries please contact:

Colleen B Wamback Associate Director, Public Relations

Colleen B Wamback
Director of Public Relations

Jon Cain Senior Public Relations Manager

Jon Cain
Senior Public Relations Manager

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