Joseph Powell

Following an initial assignment in development of surfactant-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes, Joe Powell joined the Chemical Development Department at Shell’s Westhollow Technology Center (Houston) in 1988, where he has led major R&D programs including new technology for the production of Bisphenol-A, and innovation and commercialization of a process route to1,3-Propanediol.  Dr. Powell has been granted more than 45 U.S. patents and several industry awards, including the Arthur D. Little Award for Chemical Engineering Innovation (AIChE 1998), R&D100 Award (R&D Magazine), American Chemical Society Team Innovation Award (2000), and a U. Wisconsin College of Engineering Distinguished Achievement Award (2009).   He is co-editor and chapter author of a book Sustainable Development in the Process Industries:  Cases and Impact (Wiley, 2010).

Joe is a life member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and has served as a programming chair and Area 12B chair for the Process Development Division. In addition to his Chief Scientist role for the global Shell organization, Dr. Powell leads a Hunters network for identification of new technologies, while also continuing his process R&D role in programs directed toward chemicals, biofuels, enhanced oil recovery, and related energy topics.  Dr. Powell obtained his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1978, and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in 1984.