Clayton R. Mulvihill

Dr. Clayton R. Mulvihill is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Baylor University's College of Engineering. He leads the Reaction Kinetics Lab, where his research integrates experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to study chemically reacting systems with applications in energy, propulsion, materials, and safety.

Education:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (2019)
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (2015)
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (2013)

His research focuses on chemical kinetics, employing laser diagnostics and shock tubes for experimental validation, quantum chemistry and transition state theory for theoretical rate predictions, and chemical kinetic modeling to bridge theory and experiment. His work targets cleaner fuels, hypersonic propulsion, flame-based nanoparticle synthesis, and battery safety. Recent efforts involve stereochemistry in reaction mechanisms and non-adiabatic effects in high-temperature reactions.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward ab initio and automated kinetic modeling, with emphasis on quantum effects, stereochemistry, and prompt reaction identification. The research spans combustion science, physical chemistry, and computational modeling, often validating mechanisms through shock tube experiments and laser diagnostics.

Scientific Awards:

• Doctoral New Investigator Award, American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund (2024)

Dr. Mulvihill advises both PhD and undergraduate students, including Lanshi Li and Naiya Yokochi (PhD students), and several undergraduates actively contributing to shock tube and optical diagnostics projects. He has secured external funding for research on non-equilibrium plasma kinetics. His group collaborates with institutions like the Naval Research Laboratory and participates in national and international conferences such as the Combustion Institute meetings.

The Reaction Kinetics Lab at Baylor is equipped with a custom shock tube (10.2 cm ID, 8.9 m length), laser absorption and fluorescence diagnostics, high-vacuum mixing systems, and computational resources. The lab emphasizes a synergistic experimental-theoretical-computational workflow and hosts outreach activities, including STEM camps and lab tours for K-12 students.