Scott Rowe

Scott Rowe is an Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering + Technology, part of the College of Engineering and Technology at Western Carolina University (WCU). He joined WCU in 2021, bringing expertise in concentrated solar power and controls engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. His research focuses on developing accessible and cost-effective laboratory technologies for education, with a background in pilot plant construction, factory acceptance, and facility commissioning. He has also contributed to business ventures leveraging his technical skills in molecular biology, automation, process engineering, programming, optimization, separations, reaction kinetics, and model predictive control.

Education:

• PhD, Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder
• MS, Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder
• BS, Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
• MS, Materials Science, University of California Berkeley

Research Interests: Dr. Rowe’s work spans solar thermal systems, controls engineering, and educational technology. He explores innovative methods to integrate renewable energy with conventional utilities, optimize industrial processes through catalysis and mechanical milling, and enhance engineering education via automated grading frameworks. His research emphasizes practical applications, such as improving magnesium production via carbothermal reduction and developing tools for undergraduate PLC instruction.

Publications Trends: His articles highlight advancements in solar-thermal processing, material recovery systems, and control strategies for transient thermal management. Recent work includes automated MATLAB grading frameworks and novel approaches to magnesium production.

Awards & Grants: No awards or grants explicitly mentioned.

Advising & Labs: No advising or lab affiliations listed in provided texts.