Research Interests:

Dr. Collier’s current research interest includes enzymatic solution conversion of lignocellulosic (non-food) biomass to hydrocarbons, and processing of polymer melts and concentrated solutions in magnetic fields. He came to FSU two years ago previously being department head of ChE at the University of Tennessee, department head of ChE at Louisiana State University, Associate Dean of Graduate Study and Research at Ohio. He has been a ChE faculty member for 42 years, and his research has involved polymer processing and rheology with an emphasis on tailoring properties by chemical structure and processing, fluid flow, extrusion, reactive processing, textiles, and whisky production and maturation. His twelve patents include invention of a device and process for measuring the elongational rheology of polymer melts and concentrated solution at processing conditions. Recent research has dealt with processing lignocellulosic concentrated solution in environmentally friendly solvents.