Steven Gardner

Steven Gardner is a Professor and the Lou Edwards Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering at the University of Idaho's College of Engineering, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida (1990) and has over 30 years of combined academic and industrial experience. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, composite materials, and adhesion mechanisms. Gardner has pioneered advancements in carbon fiber surface characterization and catalytic materials development, including the invention of high-performance CO oxidation catalysts.

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1990
• M.S.E., Chemical Engineering, University of Alabama-Huntsville, 1987
• B.S.E., Chemical Engineering, University of Alabama-Huntsville, 1985

Research Interests: Dr. Gardner’s work spans catalytic materials synthesis, composite material characterization, and surface engineering. His contributions include novel methods for carbon fiber functionalization, optimization of CO oxidation catalysts, and interfacial analysis in polymer-matrix composites.

Awards:

• 2022 Pall President’s Award for Global Innovator of the Year
• 2006 Operational Excellence Award from LyondellBasell
• 1993 Oak Ridge Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
• Membership in International Community for Composites Engineering (1994)

Grants & Advising: Gardner has led Six-Sigma projects yielding $2M+ in industrial cost savings and holds Six-Sigma Black Belt certification. His academic leadership includes mentoring students and advising on composite materials and catalysis research.

Labs/Teams: Active in University of Idaho’s Chemical & Biological Engineering labs, focusing on catalytic materials and composite interfaces. Collaborates with industry partners like Pall Corporation and LyondellBasell.