Melanie A. McNeil

Professor Melanie A. McNeil serves in the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University, where she has progressed from Assistant Professor (1990-1994) to full Professor (1999-present) with expertise in biochemical and chemical engineering. Her industrial experience includes quality control chemistry at U.S.A. Petrochem Corporation (1980-1983).

Her educational background includes:

• B.S. in Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara (1986)
• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara (1986)
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara (1990)

Professor McNeil's research integrates enzyme kinetics, membrane separation processes, and thin film applications to address challenges in the energy/water/food nexus, drug delivery, and photovoltaics. Her work bridges fundamental chemical engineering with sustainable solutions for environmental and biomedical systems, emphasizing practical applications in wastewater purification and renewable energy technologies.

Publication trends since 2010 reveal strong focus on nanomaterials for biomedical applications (nanogels, star polymers) and advanced membrane technologies for desalination. Earlier work (2003-2009) centered on corrosion mechanisms, thermoelectric nanowires, and biochemical education, demonstrating consistent interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability challenges.

Her recognition includes:

• SJSU COE McCoy Family Faculty Excellence in Service Award (2011)
• N. California AIChE Teaching Excellence Award (1996)
• Dow Outstanding New Faculty Award (1995)

Professor McNeil has secured over $2 million in research funding from NSF, EPRI, and DARPA, including corrosion studies for boiling water reactors ($54,000/year, 1998-1999) and bio-printing research ($21,700, 2011). Her grant portfolio spans environmental health programs, bioprocess engineering labs, and sustainable wastewater purification projects.

She established the Hazardous Waste Management Laboratory (1991) and Biochemical Engineering Laboratory (1995), collaborating with industry partners on corrosion analysis and membrane development. Current work involves enzyme-containing polymer membranes for water purification through her 2017 College of Engineering Research Professorship.