David Harper Email & Phone Number

I am an experienced professor working in dynamic academic research environments for over 20 years. I have led numerous research teams comprising industry, government, and academic scientists. I received a B.A. in Physics from West Virginia University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Washington State University, studying structural natural fiber composite materials. I was a postdoctoral fellow in the Composite Materials Group at the USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, WI. I joined UT's Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries faculty in 2004. My research focuses on making new, high-value materials from renewable, plant-based sources. In particular, the group that I direct considers the entire material life cycle by engineering end-of-life and recycling solutions for composite and polymer materials. I am very proud of our diverse students and research group members. We work together on applied and basic research questions to discover sustainable material solutions to issues in transportation, built infrastructure, energy storage, CO2 capture, adhesion, end-of-life, and biomaterials. My mission is to provide opportunities that enable students to discover and find joy and purpose in science and engineering to make the world a better place. My greatest satisfaction is seeing students take ownership and pride in their work, and for them to succeed by achieving their goals.