Michael A. Matthews

Michael A. Matthews serves as Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, concurrently holding leadership positions as Vice Dean of Engineering & Computing and Associate Vice President for Research and National Laboratory Relations since 2011 and 2021 respectively.

His academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1979
• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1984
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1986

Matthews' research program centers on thermodynamics with three interconnected pillars: hydrogen storage in chemical hydrides, biomedical applications of supercritical carbon dioxide (particularly for tissue decellularization and sterilization), and green chemistry innovations. His work integrates fundamental chemical engineering principles with practical solutions for biomedical challenges and sustainable processes.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a dual trajectory: cutting-edge biomedical engineering using supercritical CO₂ for scaffold processing and sterilization (2021-2023), alongside transformative educational research focusing on professional development curricula, critical thinking pedagogy, and diversity initiatives in engineering pathways (2018-2020). This synergy between technical innovation and educational reform defines his scholarly identity.

His distinguished recognition includes:

• Fellow of the American Chemical Society (2011)
• Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2014)
• Uof SC Mungo Graduate Teaching Award (2020)
• Joseph Gibbons Teaching Award (2018-2020)
• ASEE William Corcoran Award for Chemical Engineering Education (2007)

Matthews has secured over $10 million in research funding while developing specialized professional development courses for graduate students and biomedical engineering ethics curricula. His advising philosophy emphasizes critical thinking and publishing ethics, reflected in courses like Graduate Student as Scholar and Engineering Research Methods. Current administrative responsibilities encompass research strategy for the college and university-wide research initiatives.

Though specific laboratory facilities aren't detailed, his supercritical CO₂ research suggests dedicated high-pressure processing equipment, with applications spanning tissue engineering scaffolds to food safety systems.