Person

David Paul Harper

Professor | School of Natural Resources
Overview

Dr. Harper has a broad background in the manufacturing, designing, and characterization of natural composite materials. His formal training is in the design, manufacture, and mechanics of structural composite materials. Throughout his provisional career, his focus is on making new materials from renewable, plant-based sources. He has specific expertise in coupling natural and synthetic materials including the spectroscopic and mechanical evaluation of interfaces, which is reflected in his publications. Dr. Harper also has a strong interest in lignin and carbon-based materials for energy storage, structural reinforcement, filtration, and remediation.

Research Focus

We are developing highly engineered nanostructured carbon using lignin as a feedstock. These materials are engineered for composites, catalysts, energy storage, contaminant sorption, and biomedical applications.

Outreach Focus

We are helping industry to reduce their environmental footprint by engineering an end-of-life strategy for existing processes. We are using recyclable, compostable, earth abundant, and renewable materials to replace fossil or mined raw materials.

Teaching Focus

I am working with students to gain first hand experience in producing and testing renewable materials in the laboratory. My focus is to train new generations of students to be leaders in the bioeconomy.

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
MSE 580 - Technical Review and Assessment
3 credit hour(s)

Preparation of critical review of literature in area related to materials science and engineering. Must be taken by students in the non-thesis option.

Registration Restriction(s): Consent of faculty committee.

MSE 676 - Advanced Topics in Materials Science and Engineering
3 credit hour(s)

Latest developments and/or advanced special topics.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Picture of David Paul Harper
108 CRC Material Science and Technology Unit
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4570
Education and Training
  • PhD, Civil Engineering, General, Washington State University, 2003
  • Masters, Civil Engineering, General, Washington State University, 1998
  • Bachelors, Physics, General, West Virginia Univ Morgantown, 1995
Web Presence

David Paul Harper

Professor | School of Natural Resources
Picture of David Paul Harper image
108 CRC Material Science and Technology Unit
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4570
Education and Training
  • PhD, Civil Engineering, General, Washington State University, 2003
  • Masters, Civil Engineering, General, Washington State University, 1998
  • Bachelors, Physics, General, West Virginia Univ Morgantown, 1995
Overview

Dr. Harper has a broad background in the manufacturing, designing, and characterization of natural composite materials. His formal training is in the design, manufacture, and mechanics of structural composite materials. Throughout his provisional career, his focus is on making new materials from renewable, plant-based sources. He has specific expertise in coupling natural and synthetic materials including the spectroscopic and mechanical evaluation of interfaces, which is reflected in his publications. Dr. Harper also has a strong interest in lignin and carbon-based materials for energy storage, structural reinforcement, filtration, and remediation.

Research Focus

We are developing highly engineered nanostructured carbon using lignin as a feedstock. These materials are engineered for composites, catalysts, energy storage, contaminant sorption, and biomedical applications.

Outreach Focus

We are helping industry to reduce their environmental footprint by engineering an end-of-life strategy for existing processes. We are using recyclable, compostable, earth abundant, and renewable materials to replace fossil or mined raw materials.

Teaching Focus

I am working with students to gain first hand experience in producing and testing renewable materials in the laboratory. My focus is to train new generations of students to be leaders in the bioeconomy.

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
MSE 580 - Technical Review and Assessment
3 credit hour(s)

Preparation of critical review of literature in area related to materials science and engineering. Must be taken by students in the non-thesis option.

Registration Restriction(s): Consent of faculty committee.

MSE 676 - Advanced Topics in Materials Science and Engineering
3 credit hour(s)

Latest developments and/or advanced special topics.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Web Presence