Ralph White

Ralph E. White is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Westinghouse Distinguished Scientist at the University of South Carolina's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. He holds a B.S. from the University of South Carolina (1971), M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (1973, 1977). His career includes roles as Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering (1993–2000) and Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing (2000–2005). He founded the Center for Electrochemical Engineering in 1995.

White's research focuses on electrochemical systems modeling, including fuel cells, batteries, electro-deposition, and corrosion. He has authored over 350 journal articles and mentored 50+ PhD students, many of whom hold leadership positions globally. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the ECS Olin Palladium Award (2013) and the Henry B. Linford Award (2018).

Key contributions include developing numerical methods for simulating electrochemical systems and advancing battery safety through thermal runaway modeling. The ECS Ralph E. White Outstanding Student Award, established in 2022, honors his legacy in training future researchers.