Randy L. Vander Wal

Randy L. Vander Wal is a Professor at The Pennsylvania State University, holding appointments in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. His research spans multiple areas of energy and materials science with a strong focus on nanomaterials synthesis and characterization.

Dr. Vander Wal's research interests include energy generation through nanostructured catalysts for hydrocarbon processing, energy utilization through metal oxide gas sensors, energy conversion through nanostructured lubricants, and energy storage through new battery materials. His expertise also covers laser diagnostics for measuring species, temperature, pressure and flow, as well as various analytical methods including microplasmas and laser-based techniques like LIBS, LIF, LII, CRD, and DFWM.

His work in materials chemistry focuses on nanomaterial syntheses using methods such as CVD, plasma, electrospinning, combustion, aerosol, mechanical processes and ablation, followed by comprehensive characterization and application testing. A significant contribution to the field was coining the term 'nanostructure' to describe the atomic layer planes comprising soot, enabling statistical comparison through custom algorithms developed specifically for HRTEM image quantification.

Dr. Vander Wal's research portfolio demonstrates strong trends in carbon nanomaterials, particularly graphene and other graphitic forms, with applications spanning energy conversion, environmental monitoring, and advanced composites. His recent publications show increasing focus on sustainability applications, decarbonization technologies, and environmental health impacts of combustion products.

His academic contributions extend to teaching courses including EGEE 120: Oil: International Evolution, ENVSE 406: Sampling and Monitoring of the Geo-Environment, FSC 431: Chemistry of Fuels, and several advanced graduate courses in nanotechnology and catalytic materials. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from The University of Wisconsin with research on 'The Vibrationally Mediated Photodissociation of Water,' and undergraduate degrees in Physics, Chemistry, and Math from Calvin College.