Dr. Amelse’s academic foundation in chemical engineering is marked by rigorous training and a passion for applied research. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He then pursued graduate studies at Northwestern University, obtaining his Master of Science in Chemical Engineering followed by a Ph.D. His doctoral research, under Professors John Butt and Lyle Schwartz, focused on “Silica Supported Iron Bimetallic Catalysts for the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis,” combining catalyst characterization with performance evaluation—a project that reflected his early interest in bridging fundamental chemistry with industrial applications. Beyond formal degrees, he pursued numerous continuing education courses throughout his career, covering refining, petrochemicals, and biofuels. This extensive educational background not only equipped him with technical expertise but also laid the groundwork for his later innovations in catalysis, petrochemical processes, and sustainable energy technologies, enabling him to contribute across academia and industry.
Experience
Dr. Amelse’s professional journey integrates high-level industrial leadership, academic teaching, and cutting-edge research. At BP Amoco Chemical Company, he was a core team member in designing world-scale paraxylene crystallization units, developing next-generation catalysts, and leading U.S. Department of Energy–sponsored projects on ammonia absorption refrigeration. He also guided international collaborations, including projects in Belgium, India, Portugal, and the UK, making significant contributions to global petrochemical technology. After retiring from BP Amoco, he joined the University of Aveiro as an Invited Teaching Professor, lecturing on biofuels, refining, and petrochemicals while contributing to molecular sieve research using solid-state NMR. Currently, he serves as Lead Scientist at Carbon Sequestration, Inc., leading commercialization of woody biomass burial for carbon dioxide removal. His experience highlights a career that bridges innovation, teaching, and sustainability, demonstrating his ability to drive transformative advances across both industrial and academic landscapes.
Professional Development
Throughout his career, Dr. Amelse actively pursued professional development to remain at the forefront of chemical engineering and energy research. At BP Amoco, he became a trained leader in HAZOP and LOPA safety analysis techniques, guiding critical plant safety design studies. He also served as an instructor for internal technical courses on paraxylene catalysis and process technologies, reflecting his commitment to knowledge transfer within industry. His collaborations with leading universities, including Cambridge University and the University of Aveiro, provided opportunities to mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, strengthening academia-industry ties. More recently, he expanded his expertise into renewable energy and climate solutions, developing a micro-module on Global Warming, Renewable Energy, and Decarbonization for the European Consortium of Innovative Universities. His continual engagement with new technologies, from biofuels to biomass carbon sequestration, exemplifies lifelong learning and adaptation. This pursuit of professional growth underscores his leadership in advancing energy innovation and sustainability.
Skills & Expertise
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Amelse’s career achievements have been recognized through numerous grants, patents, and scholarly contributions. While at BP Amoco, he received special grants from the Head of Technology and the Distributed Research Laboratory to sponsor advanced academic collaborations at the University of Aveiro and Cambridge University. His patents—spanning paraxylene recovery, catalyst design, refrigeration systems, and biomass conversion—demonstrate his innovation and impact, with technologies implemented at industrial scale. His process for recovering germanium from optical fiber effluents, developed at Bell Labs, was notable enough to be featured in The New York Times. In academia, his contributions to climate education were recognized through his development of a European Consortium module on global warming and sustainability. His publications in leading journals, chapters in Industrial Arene Chemistry, and invited lectures further highlight his influence. Collectively, these recognitions underscore his reputation as a pioneering researcher, mentor, and innovator in chemical engineering and sustainability.