Robert J. Davis

Robert J. Davis is the William Stansfield Calcott Professor of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Chemical Engineering. He joined the faculty in 1990, progressing from Assistant to Full Professor by 2002. He served as Chair of Chemical Engineering from 2002 to 2011. His research focuses on catalysis, particularly in designing catalysts to enhance chemical reaction performance through atomic-level structural insights.

Education: B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech (1985), M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University (1987, 1989), followed by a postdoc at the University of Namur, Belgium (1989–1990).

Research interests include catalytic processes for energy conversion, CO2 utilization, and sustainable fuels. His work emphasizes catalyst design for reactions like methanation, CO oxidation, and plastic deconstruction. Over 170 publications and multiple patents highlight his contributions to catalysis science.

Notable awards include the Wilhelm Award (AIChE), Emmett Award (NACS), NSF Young Investigator Award, and UVa Rodman Scholars Award. He has held leadership roles in professional societies such as the North American Catalysis Society and AIChE divisions.

His lab focuses on advancing catalytic materials for industrial and environmental challenges, with recent trends in renewable natural gas production and low-temperature catalytic processes. Collaborations with government and industry aim to bridge fundamental research and practical applications.