Joseph B. Powell

Dr. Joseph B. Powell is the Aspire Shell Endowed Chair and Executive Director of the University of Houston Energy Transition Institute, and Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Cullen College of Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1984) and a B.S. from the University of Virginia (1978). His research focuses on energy transition strategies, biofuels, carbon capture, and sustainable development. Powell has co-authored over 125 patent applications (60 granted) and authored Sustainable Development in the Process Industries: Cases and Impact (2010). He has served as Shell's first Chief Scientist for Chemical Engineering (2006–2020) and chairs/advises major energy initiatives like the U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee and Mission Innovation's Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage program.

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1984
• B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, 1978

Research Interests:

• Energy systems decarbonization
• Hydrothermal biomass conversion
• Hydrogen and biofuel production
• Carbon utilization technologies

Awards & Recognition:

• Member, U.S. National Academy of Engineering
• Fellow, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• AIChE/ACS/R&D Magazine Awards for Innovation and Practice

Affiliations:

• National Academy Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology
• U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development (Climate Advisor)
• Editorial Board, Annual Review of Chemical and Biological Engineering