Kat Knauer is a polymer scientist and chemical engineer who is driven by a steadfast commitment to addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste. She earned her BS degree in chemical engineering from Florida State University before embarking on an academic journey that culminated in a PhD in polymer science and engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi. Knauer further honed her expertise through an industrial post-doctoral stint with BASF, specializing in plastics recycling. Building upon this experience, she ventured into entrepreneurship with Novoloop Inc., a groundbreaking startup dedicated to chemical recycling of plastic film. In 2021, Knauer assumed the pivotal role of chief technology officer (CTO) of the Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE) Consortium at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Concurrently, she serves as an assistant adjoint professor and RASEI fellow in chemical and biological engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Knauer's research endeavors revolve around the development of innovative recycling technologies for existing plastics, as well as the design of intrinsically recyclable-by-design materials for the future.
Education
PhD, Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi
BS, Chemical Engineering, Florida State University
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