معرفی
Michael Free is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Utah, where he has served as faculty since 1996. He previously held positions as Assistant Professor (1996-2002) and Associate Professor (2002-2008) before achieving his current rank. He has served as department chair for two departments and has been a member of the Utah Academy of Engineering and Science.
Dr. Free received his B.S. in metallurgical engineering, M.S. in chemical engineering, and Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering, all from the University of Utah. Before joining the faculty, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Associate at the University of Florida in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering for two years.
His primary research focuses on corrosion, electrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy with applications spanning rare earth element and critical materials extraction, electrorefining and electrowinning of metals, electrodeposition, electrochemical process modeling, copper extraction, corrosion mitigation, particle processing, interfacial phenomena, and biooxidation. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical engineering applications in resource extraction and materials processing.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on sustainable extraction of critical materials, particularly rare earth elements from unconventional sources like coal waste. His research integrates biohydrometallurgical approaches with advanced separation techniques including field-effect separation and electrochemical methods. There's also a growing focus on e-waste recycling technologies and sustainable approaches to plastic waste management through biodegradation.
- Milton E. Wadsworth Award (2024)
- International Association for Advanced Materials Scientist Medal
- EPD Distinguished Service Award
- Career Services Faculty Recognition Award
- Top 20 paper downloads (Physica Status Solidi B)
Dr. Free has been the principal investigator of more than 70 research projects funded by over 20 companies, the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Office of Naval Research, and the National Science Foundation with a total awarded value of $23.7 million. He has taught, mentored, and employed 95 researchers in his labs. He has also been a paid consultant for 40 organizations across his career.
His research group focuses on metal chemistry for extraction, purification, corrosion, and new materials synthesis, with Dr. Prashant K. Sarswat as a key partner leading efforts in new materials synthesis and serving as co-investigator on many projects. The group maintains strong industry connections and collaborates on developing practical solutions for resource extraction and environmental challenges.
