Benjamin Kumfer

Benjamin Kumfer is a Research Assistant Professor and Senior Lecturer at the McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis. He is affiliated with the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering and the Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering (CASE). His research focuses on combustion innovation, including oxygen utilization for process efficiency, emissions reduction, nanomaterial production, and carbon dioxide capture. He oversees the Advanced Clean Energy Research Facility and 1 MWth combustion test furnaces.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Science (BS), Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, 1999
• Master of Science (MS), Washington University in St. Louis, 2002
• Doctor of Science (DSc), Washington University in St. Louis, 2005

Research Interests: Driven by environmental sustainability, Benjamin’s work bridges Chemical Engineering, Energy Systems, and Environmental Engineering. He prioritizes advancing clean combustion technologies, such as oxy-combustion and biomass cofiring, while investigating particle formation dynamics and health impacts of combustion byproducts. His expertise in scaling practical solutions addresses global energy challenges.

Advising & Grants: He mentors senior environmental engineering students in capstone projects, leading to awards like the 2025 WERC contest. His team secured a 2021 grant to develop titanium-cerium redox flow batteries for power plant upgrades. Prior experience includes a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Davis’s Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department.

Labs & Teams: Oversees the Advanced Clean Energy Research Facility and collaborates through CASE, focusing on aerosol science and clean energy systems.