Michael 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 liquid transportation fuels. 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

Media Coverage

Chev Right Icon of hollow arrow pointing right Arrow Right Icon of arrow pointing right See More Media Coverage
Boston Business Journal
Massachusetts AI Hub starts awarding money for applied AI projects

Several media outlets reported on two WPI research projects being selected as winners of the first Massachusetts AI Models Innovation Challenge. The projects led by Michael Timko, William B. Smith Professor of Chemical Engineering and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and Berk Calli, associate professor in the Robotics Engineering Department, harness artificial intelligence to advance clean technology.

Additional Publications: Worcester Business Journal | The Worcester Guardian
Smart Water Magazine
PFAS destruction technology offers potential for fuel generation

Michael Timko, William B. Smith Professor of Chemical Engineering and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, co-authored an opinion piece in Smart Water Magazine on the importance of addressing PFAS contamination. The article highlights the role wastewater treatment facilities can play in minimizing the spread of “forever chemicals” and discusses new technology developed at WPI that has the potential to destroy PFAS in sewage sludge while also producing renewable energy.

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

Need someone quickly?

If you are a reporter on deadline please email experts@wpi.edu or text (774) 701-1902 for assistance.