Dr. David Allen is a Professor and Interim Department Chair in the Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin's College of Engineering. He holds the Norbert Dittrich-Welch Chair in Chemical Engineering and directs the Air Quality Research Program for the State of Texas. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology (1983) M.S. in Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology (1981) B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Cornell University (1979) Dr. Allen's research focuses on urban air quality, sustainable systems engineering, and environmental education. His work spans shale gas development impacts, methane emissions analysis, and development of educational materials for K-16 and core curricula. Recent publications examine methane emissions from oil/gas infrastructure, water consumption from shale development, and sustainable chemical manufacturing. His research informs energy policy and climate mitigation strategies. Scientific Awards & Honors President's Research Impact Award, 2025 ENI Energy Transition Award, 2020 National Academy of Engineering, 2017 American Chemical Society Fellow, 2013 Warren K. Lewis Award for Chemical Engineering Education, 2011 Dr. Allen leads the Air Quality Research Program for the State of Texas and co-founded the Energy Emissions Modeling and Data Lab (EEMDL). He serves as founding Editor-in-Chief of ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, and developed the national high school curriculum 'Engineer Your World'.






