Michael T. Timko

Michael T. Timko is an Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he also serves as the William B. Smith Fellow and Dean of Engineering Chair. He holds a BS from Ohio State University, MS and PhD from MIT, and postdoctoral experience at Harvard. His research focuses on sustainable energy technologies, particularly converting waste and biomass into renewable fuels and chemicals. Key areas include hydrothermal liquefaction, catalytic processes, and environmental engineering solutions.

Timko’s work emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, addressing challenges such as marine plastic cleanup, bamboo-to-biofuel conversion, and carbon sequestration. He has received prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and Fullbright Research Scholar distinction. His lab, the Energy Research Group, actively engages students in projects like waste valorization and clean energy systems.

Over 150 publications highlight his contributions, with recent work on AI-driven reaction pathways and supercritical water technologies. He advises numerous student projects, advancing innovations in recycling and biofuel production. Timko’s vision integrates engineering science with global sustainability, aiming to transform waste into resources for societal benefit.