Alex Roger Maag

Alex Roger Maag is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He joined WPI in 2021 after completing a postdoctoral associate position at Cornell University under Professor Goldfarb. His research focuses on biomass-derived renewable energy and sustainable commodity production, utilizing thermochemical conversion with heterogeneous catalysts and high-pressure systems.

• Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (WPI, 2019); B.S. in Chemical Engineering (University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2011)

Maag's work emphasizes catalysis, surface science, and spectroscopic characterization, targeting process engineering benefits like enhanced product throughput and energy efficiency. His recent projects involve hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass and catalyst stability studies under extreme conditions.

The four listed publications (2018–2020) highlight his contributions to biomass conversion technologies, catalytic material development (e.g., CeZrOx, ZSM-5), and comparative analysis of reaction phases in industrial chemistry. These works span subfields including catalyst degradation, phase behavior, and sustainable fuel production.

Maag actively mentors students through hands-on projects and active learning strategies, integrating chemical engineering fundamentals into practical applications. He is affiliated with WPI's Chemical Engineering department, with prior academic ties to Cornell University and WPI through his doctoral research under Professor Timko.