Wayne Seames

Wayne Seames is a Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of ND SUNRISE at the University of North Dakota, affiliated with the College of Engineering & Mines. He holds a BSChE (1979) and PhD (2000) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona. His research focuses on sustainable energy technologies, environmental remediation, and biomass-derived materials, with notable work on lignin-derived carbon fibers and microalgae-based fuels.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of Arizona, 1979
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, University of Arizona, 2000

Research Interests:

• Development of renewable fuels and chemicals from biomass and crop oils
• Environmental impact assessment of coal combustion byproducts
• Catalyst design for biomass conversion
• Project management and technical feasibility analyses

Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow of the American Academy of Inventors (2017)
• Fulbright Distinguished Chair Scholar (2014–2015)
• Only North Dakotan inducted into the National Academy of Inventors
• Recipient of multiple UND teaching and research excellence awards

Advising & Grants:

• Total grants secured: $21.68M across 87 projects
• Patents: 8 U.S. patents (e.g., biojet fuel technology, high-carbon products from crop oils)
• Directed the ND SUNRISE research center and led industrial projects at ARAMCO and Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Labs & Teams: Leads the ND SUNRISE initiative, focusing on interdisciplinary sustainable energy solutions.