Gerold A. Willing serves as an Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Louisville's College of Engineering. His research focuses on fundamental colloidal science with applications in complex fluid systems, particularly examining interactions between particles of different sizes under various conditions including microgravity environments. Dr. Willing received his B.E. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993 and completed his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University in 2001. Prior to joining the University of Louisville, he spent three years as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Argonne National Laboratory. Dr. Willing's research expertise centers on colloidal stability, complex fluid systems, and nanoparticle interactions. He is recognized as the first researcher to directly measure interaction forces in complex fluids with bimodal particle size distributions using Atomic Force Microscopy. His work spans both fundamental research in colloidal science and applied research with implications for industrial applications including paints, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. His microgravity research conducted aboard the International Space Station through NASA's Advanced Colloids Experiments program has provided new insights into particle agglomeration behavior in the absence of gravitational effects. Analysis of Dr. Willing's recent publications reveals a dual research focus: fundamental investigations into colloidal phenomena (particularly bimodal colloidal systems, nanoparticle haloing, and interfacial forces) and engineering education research examining student identity development in chemical engineering programs. His technical work demonstrates expertise in experimental methods including Atomic Force Microscopy, image analysis of colloidal systems, and microgravity experimentation, while his education research employs qualitative and quantitative methods to understand student transitions through engineering programs. Dr. Willing has advised graduate students including Adam J. Cecil, whose doctoral research focused on image analysis of charged bimodal colloidal systems in microgravity. His laboratory work appears to involve collaborations with mechanical engineering colleagues at the University of Louisville, particularly on microgravity experiments conducted through NASA programs. Dr. Willing has developed specialized image analysis software (Colloidspy) for analyzing colloidal systems, demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach combining chemical engineering principles with computational methods.
