Christopher Wirth

Christopher Wirth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Case Western Reserve University's Case School of Engineering. He holds a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University (2012) and a BS from the University at Buffalo (2007). His lab focuses on complex fluids, colloids, and interfacial science, with emphasis on anisotropic, non-equilibrium, and crowded colloidal systems relevant to coatings, batteries, and biomedical applications. Research tools include novel experiments and theoretical models to bridge fundamental science with applied technology. He has received significant awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2018) and ACS Sustainability Award (2024). His work involves developing understanding of colloidal dynamics in dynamic systems such as active particles and non-equilibrium suspensions.

Education:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2012
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University at Buffalo (SUNY), 2007

Research interests emphasize:

• Non-equilibrium behavior in dense colloidal suspensions
• Anisotropic particle dynamics (e.g., ellipsoids, non-spherical particles)
• Active colloidal systems with self-propulsion mechanisms
• Interfacial phenomena in complex fluid systems

His recent work explores surfactant effects on carbon black suspensions, light scattering microscopy techniques, and catalytic control of Janus particles.

Awards highlight his contributions:

• 2024: Development in Sustainability Award (ACS)
• 2022: Nord Grant for Educational Innovation
• 2018: NSF CAREER Award

Teaching and mentoring focus on undergraduate/graduate chemical engineering education. His lab actively engages in grant-funded research with recent projects addressing colloidal systems in energy storage and biomedical contexts.