Dr. Luke Williams joined the Idaho National Laboratory in September 2014 as a research scientist in the Biofuels and Renewable Energy Technology Department. His research at the INL includes the study of both the fundamental properties of lignocellulosic biomass as well as larger scale pre-processing steps necessary for thermochemical and biochemical conversions. Additionally, he is helping develop methods for the rapid screening of blended biomass feedstocks for hydrothermal liquefaction and pyrolytic conversion processes. Williams has also aided in the development of equipment capable of performing rapid on-site analysis of baled biomass destined for conversion to fuels and chemicals using robust near-infrared spectroscopic technology.
 
Prior to joining the INL he received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where his research focused on catalytic reaction engineering for the production of renewable aromatic chemicals from biomass derived sugars. His undergraduate work was done at Montana State University, where he received his bachelor’s of science in chemical engineering.