Paul Yelvington is the former Chief Technology Officer of the RAPID Manufacturing Institute. Prior to this role, Paul served as the Chief Chemical Engineer and Group Leader for Energy Conversion Technologies at Mainstream Engineering (MEC), where he led programs to develop several modular process technologies, including a portable fast-pyrolysis process for thermochemical biomass conversion to fuels, a hybrid hydrothermal liquefaction process for conversion of wet food wastes to fuels, and a biogas-tolerant engine-generator for agricultural waste digesters. In addition, Paul coordinated MEC’s other energy conversion programs and managed the chemical engineering staff. Prior to joining MEC, Paul worked at Aerodyne Research where he studied the emissions of trace gases and volatile particles from aircraft engines, helping to better understand the impacts of aviation on local air quality and climate change.
Paul’s expertise includes combustion, alternative fuels, engines, biomass conversion, applied spectroscopy, reactor piloting, techno-economic analysis, technology transfer, product development, and project management. He also specializes in the use of advanced simulations and controls to improve the efficiency of practical energy conversion devices. Over the years, he has directed over 20 research, development, and engineering programs for industry and government clients at DOD, DOE, NIH, and the USDA. In addition, he has several patents and has coauthored more than 25 publications related to combustion, fuels, engines, and biomass. He is also an adjunct professor and graduate faculty member at the Florida Institute of Technology.
Paul received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).