Biographical Sketch

Peter Kilpatrick received an A.B. degree in chemistry, summa cum laude, from Occidental College and a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota. The focus of his thesis research was the fluid microstructure, phase behavior, and spectroscopic characterization of microemulsified systems comprised of surfactants, oil, and water. He joined the faculty of North Carolina State University in 1983, where he is currently Professor and Department Head of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.  He also serves as the founding Director of the North Carolina Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC).

The focus of his research is surface and colloid science, with particular emphasis on fluid microstructure and spectroscopic characterization of structured fluids such as emulsions, micelles, liquid crystals, vesicles, and the like. A particular focus of his research over the last 10 years has been in the area of petroleum emulsions and foams, with an emphasis on the role asphaltenes play in film stabilization. He has also performed extensive research in bioseparations and biosensing. His interest in biotechnology workforce training is based on his knowledge of the ways in which chemical engineers can contribute to current commercialization of biotechnology.

In 1989, he received an Outstanding Teaching Award at NC State and was elected to the Academy of Outstanding Teachers. He has also received the Alcoa Distinguished Research Achievement Award, the AT&T Excellence in Education Award from the ASEE, and the Young Researcher Award of Sigma Xi. He has published over 70 articles and currently holds 12 patents with 2 pending.