Mark T. Swihart

Mark T. Swihart is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and SUNY Empire Innovation Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He served as Department Chair from 2018 to 2025 and leads research in the Energy, Environment and Water (RENEW) Institute. His research focuses on nanoparticle synthesis, nanomaterials applications, and chemical kinetic modeling.

Education:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota (1997)
• BS in Chemical Engineering (summa cum laude), Rice University (1992)

Research interests span nanoparticle synthesis (gas-phase and solution-phase), nanomaterials for bioimaging, plasmonic semiconductor nanostructures, combustion chemistry, and aerosol science. His group pioneered silicon nanocrystal applications in bioimaging and developed novel processes for multi-component nanoparticle production. Recent work emphasizes flame aerosol synthesis, chiral nanomaterials, combustion reaction mechanisms, and bio-synthesized nanoparticles.

Publications demonstrate strong focus on nanomaterials synthesis (especially flame aerosol and solution-phase methods), combustion chemistry mechanisms, and functional nanocomposites. Recent articles show increasing emphasis on chiral materials, high-entropy ceramics, and biologically synthesized nanoparticles.

Awards and Honors:

• Kenneth Whitby Award (American Association for Aerosol Research)
• J.B. Wagner Award (Electrochemical Society)
• Five-time UB Chemical Engineering 'Professor of the Year'
• Meyerson Award (UB's highest undergraduate mentoring honor)
• AAAS Fellow
• SUNY Distinguished Professor

Advising and Collaboration: Has mentored over 50 graduate students and 100 undergraduate researchers. Leads the Swihart Research Group focused on nanoparticles and nanomaterials. Serves as Editor for Aerosol Science and Technology and on the Board of Consulting Editors for AIChE Journal.