Bio

Seyed Javad Amirfakhri, Ph.D., is originally from Mashhad, Iran, and was the first in his family to earn a university degree. His academic journey has shaped his commitment to student mentorship, access to education, and helping students build confidence as future engineers. He brings an interdisciplinary perspective to his work, connecting engineering fundamentals with practical environmental and industrial challenges. Outside of teaching and research, he values outreach activities that make engineering and water-quality issues more accessible to students and the broader community.

Experience and Interests

Teaching Experience

• Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2020-Present)
• Lecturer, California State Polytechnic University Pomona (2017-2020)

Professional Experience

• Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2026-present)
• Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2020-206)
• Lecturer, California State Polytechnic University Pomona (2017-2020)
• Co-founder, Innovative Thermal Management Technologies (ITMT), San Diego, CA (2016-2018)
• Visiting Scientist, University of California San Diego (2015-2017)
• Senior process engineer, Pilab Company, Tehran, Iran (2007-2009)
• Research Assistant, Biochemical and Bioenvironmental Research Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (2005-2007)

Research Interests

• Nanomaterials Development for Environmental Engineering Applications
• Reaction Kinetics
• Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies
• Catalysis and Electrocatalysis
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes
• Process Simulation, Modeling, and Optimization

Teaching Areas

• Transport Phenomena
• Reaction Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Thermodynamics

Involvement

Campus

• College of Natural Resources Representative, University Personnel Development Committee (UPDC), UWSP (2025–Present)
• Advisor, UWSP AIChE Student Chapter (2024–Present)
• Research Supervisor, Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department, UWSP (2023–Present)
• Member, Computer Committee, College of Natural Resources, UWSP (2021–Present)
• Judge, Jim & Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium, UWSP (2023–Present)
• Representative, Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department, Viewpoint Day and Admitted Student Day events, UWSP (2021–Present)

Community

• Workshop Developer and Presenter, PFAS and Water Treatment Workshops for Middle School Students, STEAM Point Day, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (2024–Present)
• Developer and Presenter, PFAS-Focused Workshop for Grades 6–12 Educators, Wisconsin and Minnesota Participants (2025)
• Presenter, “PFAS: The Forever Chemicals,” P.J. Jacobs Junior High School, Stevens Point, WI (2025)
• Presenter, Learning Is ForEver Program, UWSP Continuing Education (2021, 2024)

Professional Memberships and Scholarly Service

• Member, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) (2021–Present)
• Member, Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) (2022–Present)
• Reviewer, TAPPI Journal (2023–Present)

Additional Websites

• Google Scholar
• LinkedIn
• Research Gate

FUN FACTS

Best advice you ever received?

Life has days that favor us and days that challenge us. When things are going well, stay humble; when things are difficult, be patient.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

At different ages, I had many different dreams. I wanted to become a pilot, a soccer player, a scientist, a president, and even a surgeon. In different ways, those dreams reflected my curiosity, ambition, interest in leadership, and desire to help others.

Favorite Quote

“Contentment is a wealth that never runs out.” —Ali ibn Abi Talib

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Watching students succeed and turn their dreams into reality.

One piece of Advice for students

Value knowledge, be patient with the learning process, and stay persistent. Engineering education can be challenging, but curiosity and consistent effort will help students grow and succeed.