Experience and Education

• Associate Vice President for Research, 2021- present
• Associate Dean, 2011 - present
• Department Chair Chemical Engineering, 2007 - 2011
• Professor Chemical Engineering, 2001 - present
• Ph.D., Texas A & M University, 1986
• M.S., Texas A & M University, 1984
• B.S., Texas A & M University, 1979

Research

Professor Mike Matthews obtained his Ph.D. in 1986 from Texas A&M University. He joined the University of South Carolina in 1994. He teaches and conducts research in the broad field of thermodynamics, with projects related to hydrogen storage in chemical hydrides, biomedical engineering, and green chemistry. He has raised over $10M in research funding and has published approximately 70 journal papers. He has served as department chair, associate dean, and chair of the Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Currently he serves on the Committee on Environmental Improvement of ACS. He is a Fellow both of the American Chemical Society and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Two major research thrusts are underway in his group. The first deals with applications of supercritical carbon dioxide for biomedical applications. Funding from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering has focused on development of novel technology for sterilization and disinfection of synthetic and natural biomaterials. Funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is aimed at abatement of indoor allergenic proteins and other respiratory hazards. Dr. Matthews founded CarboNix LLC with the aid of three SBIR grants from the NIEHS.

The second thrust is in utilization of chemical hydrides as a hydrogen storage medium, with application in PEM fuel cells. Funding from NSF and DOE has led to expanded understanding of the role of deliquescence in the reaction between water vapor and sodium borohydride. In addition, improved understanding of the hydration states of the reaction products is important in decreasing the total water utilization in this reaction.

Teaching

• BMEN 101-Professional Development and Ethics I
• BMEN 302-Professional Development and Ethics II
• BMEN 795-Biomedical Engineering: Literature
• BMEN 798-Biomedical Engineering: Publishing
• BMEN 898-BMEN Doctoral Seminar

New Courses Developed

• The Graduate Student as Scholar  (SC Graduate College elective)
• Engineering research methods  (SC Honors College elective)
• Introduction to biomedical engineering   (interdisciplinary elective)
• Environmentally conscious manufacturing   (interdisciplinary elective)
• BMEN 101, 202, and 302. Professional Development and Ethics courses for undergraduate biomedical engineers
• BMEN 795, 798, and 898. Professional Development, Ethics, and Critical thinking courses for graduate students

Honors and Awards

• Uof SC Mungo Graduate Teaching Award, 2020
• Joseph Gibbons Teaching Award, Department of Chemical Engineering, 2018-2020
• Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2014
• American Chemical Society, Committee on Environmental Improvement. Affiliate member, 2012-present
• Fellow of the American Chemical Society, 2011
• Sloan Faculty Mentor of the Year (one of five). The Compact for Faculty Diversity, 2011
• ASEE/Chemical Engineering Division 2007 William Corcoran Award for Best Paper in Chemical Engineering Education

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