Josh Werner

Josh Werner, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, University of Kentucky. His research focuses on hydrometallurgical systems, emphasizing sustainable processes for recovering rare earth elements and valuable materials from coal byproducts, waste electronics, and other sources. He specializes in leaching kinetics, solvent extraction, and electrowinning optimization.

Research interests include environmental impact assessments of metallurgical processes and the development of scalable pilot systems for critical material recovery. His work bridges fundamental science and industrial applications, addressing challenges in resource efficiency and waste-to-value strategies.

Notable contributions include studies on counter-current leaching of waste RAM chips, multi-stage solvent extraction for rare earth elements, and ammonia-based recovery systems. His research aligns with national priorities in securing domestic critical mineral supplies.

While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his active involvement in pilot-scale projects indicates significant industry and academic collaboration. He has developed equipment such as single-stage clarifier systems and advanced electrowinning cells, reflecting his focus on practical engineering solutions.

His projects often involve interdisciplinary teams, with applications in mining, environmental engineering, and sustainable manufacturing. Current and future work likely emphasizes scaling up laboratory processes to industrial levels and exploring novel recycling pathways for electronic waste.