Thomas J. Schwartz

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

Associate Professor
Graduate Coordinator

B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Maine, 2010
B.S. Biological Engineering, University of Maine, 2010
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 2015

Phone: 207.581.2294
Fax: 207.581.2323
Email: thomas.schwartz@maine.edu
Links:
Research Group Website
Google Scholar Profile
Schedule an Advising Appointment

Research Interests

Heterogeneous Catalysis • Reaction Kinetics • in situ and operando Spectroscopy • Biomass Conversion • Biorenewable Chemicals

Current Research

Our group strives to develop a molecular-level understanding of processes that occur on catalytic surfaces used for the conversion of carbon-based feedstocks (i.e., biomass, petroleum, and natural gas) to chemicals and fuels. We combine data from spectroscopic (both in situ and operando) and reaction kinetics studies to elucidate the fundamental surface chemistry associated with chemical transformations. This knowledge is subsequently used to guide the rational design of novel catalytic materials. Our research is currently applied to the production of biorenewable chemicals by upgrading platform molecules obtained from either biocatalytic transformations of sugars or biomass pyrolysis.

Selected Publications

Publications of Prof. Thomas J. Schwartz (PDF)