Michael Gonzalez's Biography

Michael Gonzalez, , US Environmental Protection Agency

Michael obtained his BS in Chemistry (’92) from the University of Texas – El Paso. He then went on to pursue his Doctorate in the area of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Florida. Under the direction of Professor Russell S. Drago, Michael conducted research in the area of catalyst development for use in the production of industrially relevant chemicals, with an emphasis on pollution prevention. In 1998 he was awarded his PhD. He joined the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) (Cincinnati, Ohio) in December 1997 as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
(ORISE) Post-Doctoral Fellow. In 1999, he then joined EPA permanently as a principle investigator for the Green Chemistry and Engineering for Chemical Synthesis project. His research efforts are focused on the development of sustainable chemical processes which incorporate a holistic approach of the on-going chemistry, analytical and processing. His areas of expertise include green catalyst development, catalytic processes for the oxygenation of saturated hydrocarbons, and process intensification. In addition to his principle investigator duties, Michael has served as Branch Chief for the Systems Analysis Branch since 2006. Currently, Michael is on detail to the Immediate Office of the Assistant Administrator of ORD as a Special Advisor on Green Chemistry.