Kevin Whitty

Kevin Whitty is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah, holding a dual appointment as Associate Dean for Research in the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering since 2019. Previously an Associate Professor at the same institution from 2006-2015, he maintains an active research program focused on advanced energy conversion technologies with emphasis on carbon capture and sustainable fuel production.

Dr. Whitty's educational background includes:

• BS in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University (1990)
• MS (Diplomingenjor) in Chemical Engineering from Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland (1993)
• PhD (Teknologie Doktorsgrad) in Chemical Engineering from Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland (1998)

His research spans chemical engineering with particular expertise in fluid mechanics, thermal engineering, and materials science as applied to energy systems. Dr. Whitty specializes in chemical looping combustion, gasification technologies, CO₂ capture processes, and sustainable fuel production from biomass and waste materials. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical engineering applications for cleaner energy systems.

Analysis of Dr. Whitty's recent publications reveals a strong focus on chemical looping technologies, particularly chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) for solid fuel combustion. His research addresses critical challenges in oxygen carrier development, ash interactions, reactor design, and process optimization for carbon capture applications. The work spans from fundamental material characterization to pilot-scale demonstration of advanced energy conversion systems.

Dr. Whitty has received significant recognition for his contributions to the field:

• Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) (2021)
• Professional Achievement Award for Innovations in Green Process Engineering from AIChE (2016)
• Honorary Doctorate (doctor honoris causa) from University of Miskolc, Hungary (2016)

As an educator and mentor, Dr. Whitty has supervised numerous PhD students through Thesis Research courses and teaches specialized courses in industrial process engineering and process design. His research program is well-funded through multiple external grants from agencies including the Department of Energy and industrial partners, with current projects focusing on biomass gasification for sustainable aviation fuels, coal slurry combustion, and advanced hydrogen production technologies.