Rate My Professor Ed Clausen

Ed Clausen serves as University Professor - Engineering in the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He earned a bachelor's degree and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Over his extensive career, Clausen has specialized in bioprocess engineering, with research focusing on the biological production of fuels and chemicals from synthesis gas, coal bioconversion, bioreactor design, microbial fermentation processes, and extraction methods for natural products. Notable contributions include developing media for ethanol production from coal synthesis gas and optimizing fermentation conditions using acetogens like Clostridium ljungdahlii. More recently, he has transitioned his efforts toward engineering education, particularly advancing STEM initiatives for K-12 students through grants from the Arkansas Department of Education and hosting summer chemical engineering programs at the university for diverse K-12 participants.

Clausen has produced over 600 technical publications and presentations, alongside 17 patents, significantly influencing bioconversion technologies for sustainable fuel and chemical production. Key works encompass the US Patent 5,173,429, 'Clostridium ljungdahlii, an anaerobic ethanol and acetate producing microorganism' (1992, 297 citations); 'Biological production of ethanol from coal synthesis gas: medium development studies' (Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 1993, 266 citations); 'Bioconversion of synthesis gas into liquid or gaseous fuels' (1992, 232 citations); US Patent 7,285,402, 'Methods for increasing the production of ethanol from microbial fermentation' (2007, 229 citations); and 'Pre- and post-harvest processing of medicinal plants' (Plant Genetic Resources, 2005, 145 citations). His scholarship has earned thousands of citations. Career highlights include serving as Interim Department Head of Chemical Engineering in 2014 and leading the alumni mentoring program. A member of the University of Arkansas Teaching Academy, he is a registered professional engineer in Arkansas and belongs to AIChE, ACS, and ASEE. Awards recognize his excellence in teaching, including the 2013 Imhoff Award for Outstanding Teaching and Student Mentorship, 2014 Honors College Faculty Award, 2011 Outstanding Teacher recognition, and national accolades for mentoring.