C. Heath TurnerView profile
Professor
C. Heath Turner is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of Alabama, College of Engineering. He holds the leadership roles of Associate Dean for Research and Economic Development and Director of the Polymers and Soft Materials Research Center (Poly-SM). His work bridges computational research and real-world energy and environmental applications. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University, 2002 M.S., Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University, 1999 B.S., Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 1996 Dr. Turner’s research centers on computational chemistry and materials simulation, with key interests in catalysis , CO₂ capture , wastewater treatment , plastic upcycling , and clean energy technologies . His group employs molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, kinetic Monte Carlo, and quantum mechanical calculations to model and predict material behavior at interfaces. A major focus is on designing solvents and nanomaterials for environmental applications, such as carbon capture and desalination. The research is highly collaborative, involving close partnerships with experimentalists to validate simulations. The recent publications (2018) reflect a strong emphasis on surface reactions, catalytic mechanisms (especially involving gold and bimetallic catalysts), and the thermodynamics and kinetics of deoxygenation processes in biofuel synthesis. These works highlight the integration of computational screening with practical engineering challenges in energy and sustainability. Scientific Awards and Honors: Academic Leadership Development Program Fellow, The Southeastern Conference, 2023 UA-OXE Most Outstanding Faculty Member UA-AIChE Most Outstanding Faculty Member NSF CAREER Award, 2008 Dr. Turner has been actively involved in mentoring students and securing research funding. He is associated with major institutional initiatives such as the UA CyberSeed program, which supports interdisciplinary cyber-enabled research. His leadership role as Associate Dean underscores his contributions to research advancement and economic development at the university. He also participates in international recruiting efforts, reflecting a commitment to global engagement and student development. He leads the Turner Research Group, which focuses on developing efficient simulation tools for material discovery and process optimization. The group is affiliated with the Polymers and Soft Materials Research Center and contributes to national efforts in sustainable infrastructure and advanced materials design.
