Russell Schmitz
About Russell Schmitz
Russell Schmitz is a Senior Research and Development Engineer at 374Water, specializing in supercritical water oxidation technology. He has extensive experience in engineering and research, having previously worked with the U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center and various academic institutions.
Work at 374Water
Russell Schmitz currently serves as a Senior Research and Development Engineer at 374Water, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he focuses on addressing emerging and persistent contaminants, particularly PFAS and derivative wastes, utilizing supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) technology. He leads the development of new capabilities for SCWO reactors and has established a new SCWO research lab. His work involves tackling engineering challenges related to scaling, design of experiments (DOE), and heat and mass transfer.
Previous Experience at U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center
Before joining 374Water, Russell Schmitz worked as a General Engineer at the U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center from 2020 to 2023. His tenure at this facility, located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, lasted for three years. During this time, he contributed to various engineering projects and initiatives within the center.
Educational Background in Chemical Engineering
Russell Schmitz has a robust educational background in chemical engineering. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from North Carolina State University, where he studied from 2014 to 2019. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Engineering (MEng) at the same institution from 2014 to 2016. He also holds a Bachelor's of Science in Chemical Engineering, graduating summa cum laude from Tufts University in 2010.
Experience at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Other Roles
Russell Schmitz has held various positions in the field of engineering and research. He worked as an Intern Scientist in Discovery and Analytical Development at Vertex Pharmaceuticals for three months in 2009. Additionally, he served as a Laboratory Technician at the University of North Carolina's Nanoscale Science Research Group for three months in 2006. He also worked as a Senior Environmental Technician II at Geosyntec Consultants from 2012 to 2014.
Research Focus and Specializations
In his current role and previous positions, Russell Schmitz has specialized in building and optimizing scientific tools. His expertise includes developing novel methods for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as working with emulsion reactors and fluidized beds. His research primarily addresses the challenges associated with contaminants and the development of innovative engineering solutions.