Derek Splitter
About Derek Splitter
Derek Splitter is a Senior Technical Staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, specializing in advanced combustion techniques and high octane fuels. He has over a decade of experience in research and development within the automotive and energy sectors.
Work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Derek Splitter has been serving as Senior Technical Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2022. In this role, he focuses on advanced combustion techniques, contributing to research and development efforts in the field. Prior to his current position, he worked at the same laboratory as a Research Staff Member from 2014 to 2022, where he further developed his expertise in combustion and engine performance. His tenure at Oak Ridge National Laboratory spans over a decade, including his time as a Post Doctoral Researcher from 2012 to 2014.
Education and Expertise
Derek Splitter holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His educational journey in mechanical engineering began in 2001 and culminated in 2012. He specializes in advanced combustion techniques, particularly Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI), and has significant expertise in addressing Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) issues in gasoline engines. His research also focuses on high octane fuels aimed at improving engine performance.
Background in Research and Industry
Derek Splitter has a diverse background in both research and industry. Before his current role, he worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for five years, where he gained foundational research experience. He also held various internships, including positions at Polaris Industries, Ford Motor Company, and Mercury Marine, where he focused on thermodynamics and diesel engine technologies. This combination of academic and industry experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of mechanical engineering applications.
Professional Experience Timeline
Derek Splitter's professional experience includes multiple roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he has worked from 2012 to the present. He started as a Post Doctoral Researcher from 2012 to 2014, then transitioned to a Research Staff Member from 2014 to 2022, and currently holds the position of Senior Technical Staff. His earlier experiences include internships at Polaris Industries, Ford Motor Company, and Mercury Marine, as well as a five-year tenure as a Research Assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.