Dr. Thomas A. Knotts is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Brigham Young University, where he co-leads AIChE’s Design Institute for Physical Properties (DIPPR). DIPPR maintains the premier database of critically evaluated thermophysical property data used across chemical, materials, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Dr. Knotts's group focuses on developing and modernizing methodologies to improve data reliability and accessibility, including the application of machine learning to enhance property prediction and screening. His research supports safer, more efficient process design and regulatory compliance across a wide range of industrial applications.
In addition to his thermophysical work, Dr. Knotts also leads projects in molecular modeling of proteins and nucleic acids, with particular emphasis on how these biomolecules interact with surfaces and polymers. He values collaborative, applied research and works closely with experimentalists to validate simulation results and guide design decisions. Over the course of his career, he has led more than $9.5 million in externally funded research and coauthored numerous peer-reviewed publications in thermodynamics and biomolecular engineering. A core part of his mission is mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers to prepare them for impactful future careers. By involving students in publication-driven, interdisciplinary projects, he helps them develop the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced, innovation-driven economy.