Joseph Kalman

Dr. Joseph Kalman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where he joined in Fall 2018. His research focuses on combustion of solid fuels and energetic materials, particularly solid composite propellants, for propulsion and defense applications, with an emphasis on non-intrusive diagnostic techniques. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2014.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2014)

Dr. Kalman’s work aims to advance chemical looping combustion (CLC) by improving oxygen carrier efficiency and longevity through physics and chemistry integration. His research also explores high-temperature spectral emissivity, submicron CL-20 propellants, and synchrotron-based x-ray diagnostics for low-temperature decomposition mechanisms.

His NSF CAREER Grant, titled “Controlled Copper Oxide Reduction Using Inverse Dust Flames for Improved Chemical Looping Combustion,” funds a five-year project to enhance CLC efficiency while addressing nitrogen-based pollutants. He has previously worked at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (2014-2018) and leads the Solid Propulsion and Combustion Lab at CSULB.

• Scientific Awards:
  • NSF CAREER Grant recipient (highly competitive award for early-career faculty)

Dr. Kalman’s lab provides cutting-edge research opportunities in materials science, and he advocates for community college students through NSF-funded programs to bridge lab experience gaps. His contributions highlight interdisciplinary collaboration between physics, chemistry, and engineering.