Thomas Wood
Biotechnology Endowed Chair and Professor of Chemical Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
304 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-4811
tuw14@psu.edu
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
March 1991, North Carolina State University
Thesis Analysis of Cloned-Gene Expression in E. coli (with Dr. Steven Peretti and Dr. David Ollis)
Bachelor of Science with High Honors in Chemical Engineering
May 1985, University of Kentucky
Emphasis on mathematics, pollution control, and independent research. GPA 4.0/4.0
High School Diploma in the Advanced Program
May 1981, Waggener High School, Louisville, KY
Valedictorian, Honors Program (GPA 4.0/4.0)
Professional Experience
The Pennsylvania State University (2011 – Present). Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Endowed Biotechnology Chair.
Texas A & M University (2005 – 2011). Department of Chemical Engineering, T. Michael O’Connor II Endowed Chair and Professor.
University of Connecticut (1998 – 2005). Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeast Utilities Endowed Chair in Environmental Engineering Education (2004), Full Professor (2003), Associate Professor (1998). Joint appointment in Molecular and Cellular Biology (2000).
University of California, Irvine, (1991 – 1998). Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Assistant Professor (1991), earned rank of Associate Professor (tenure) with 2-yr acceleration toward full professor (1997).
Becton Dickinson and Company, Research Triangle Park, NC (1991)
Research engineer at the corporate research center. Enhanced expression of single-chain antibodies through genetic engineering and optimized fermentor operations.
Rohm and Haas Company, Bristol, PA (1985-1986)
Process engineer at the corporate center for engineering. Involved in the design of a European specialty chemical plant. Gained experience in product development as a shift engineer in a start-up facility. Active in corporate recruiting.
Exxon Company, USA, Baton Rouge, LA (Summer 1984)
Process engineer in a petroleum refinery. Completed insulation project to increase energy efficiency in a reactor area. Determined energy losses, quantified furnace fuel savings, and selected insulation materials. Initiated project to upgrade the disposition of a heating oil stream.
Westinghouse Hanford Company, Richland, WA (Summer 1983)
Junior research engineer. Evaluated liquid extraction columns for use in a uranium waste project. Operated lab equipment and received training in handling fissionable materials.