Patrick Pinhero has been named chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering, effective July 1.
Pinhero joins us from the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering at the University of Missouri, where he was a professor of chemical engineering for 18 years. He served as department chair and co-chair, as well as the director of research for the University of Missouri’s nuclear engineering program. He is a leading researcher in understanding how material interfaces control and regulate chemical processes.
“We are so very fortunate to be welcoming Patrick to our Husky pack to lead our Department of Chemical Engineering!” said Michelle Scherer, dean of the College of Engineering. “The department is recognized nationwide for its research and innovative course design and safety practices and I’m thrilled to have someone with Patrick’s track record of administrative and research leadership joining us.”
Pinhero received his BS in chemistry from Creighton University and his MS and PhD in physical chemistry and chemical physics from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to his roles at the University of Missouri, Pinhero worked as a research fellow at the Ames Laboratory and a research scientist at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where he researched nuclear energy systems.
While at INL, Pinhero and his team received two NASA Tech Briefs “Nano 50” awards for their work developing unique technology to generate renewable energy from the previously untapped infrared and near infrared spectrum. Pinhero and his team went on to found RedWave Energy Inc. to continue developing a rectenna prototype to harvest waste heat into energy, with funding support from the US Department of Energy and in collaboration with researchers from the University of Colorado-Boulder.
As the Chemical Engineering Department chair at Michigan Tech, Pinhero will further the department’s mission of preparing students for the practice of their profession, advancing the science and technology that form the basis of chemical engineering, and providing students with the intellectual basis to be educated citizens.
About the College of Engineering
Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering offers more than 15 bachelor of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil, environmental and geospatial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering fundamentals, geological and mining engineering and sciences, manufacturing and mechanical engineering and technology, materials science and engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering. Our engineering graduate degree options include master’s and PhD programs, along with robust online certificate programs for busy professionals. Follow Michigan Tech Engineering on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest happenings.