Michael D Ackerson

Michael D Ackerson serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas' College of Engineering. He joined the faculty in 1988 after completing his PhD at the same institution.

His academic credentials include a BSChE (1979) and MSChE (1982) from the University of Missouri-Rolla, followed by a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arkansas (1987). Prior to academia, he worked as a thermodynamicist at Phillips Petroleum.

Dr. Ackerson's research centers on sustainable chemical processes, with emphasis on plastics recycling via pyrolysis, upgrading pyrolysis oils, and renewable naphtha/ammonia production. His work addresses critical environmental challenges through mixed plastics conversion, contaminant removal, hydrotreating, and biomass gasification. Current projects investigate life cycle assessment, carbon capture, and oxygen/nitrogen separation technologies.

His recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a concentrated focus on hydroprocessing non-petroleum feedstocks and pyrolysis reactor systems for sustainable fuel production. These works demonstrate consistent innovation in converting renewable resources into naphtha, jet fuel, and diesel while optimizing catalyst performance and system integration.

He holds 12 U.S. patents and numerous foreign patents covering plastic recycling, pyrolysis, and hydroprocessing technologies.

Dr. Ackerson's research program bridges academic inquiry with industrial application, particularly in sustainable fuel production and plastic waste valorization. His patented technologies reflect significant contributions to chemical engineering innovation, though specific grant details and student mentorship information are not publicly documented in the provided materials.

His laboratory work focuses on thermochemical conversion systems within the Chemical Engineering Department, advancing practical solutions for the circular economy and renewable resource utilization.