Research Interests

Chemical reaction phenomena, kinetics, thermochemistry of reactions and reaction mechanisms. High temperature processing and biomass pyrolysis. Chemistry and physics of cement-based materials.   Interdisciplinary, inquiry and team-based educational approaches in engineering education.

Research Group and Projects

Graduate Research (ongoing)

• Natalia Shlonimskaya (MS student)), Design of Shrinkage Reducing Admixture for Portland Cement Concrete
• Jessica Murillo (PhD candidate), Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass
• Ojas Chaudhari (PhD student), Geopolymerization of Fly Ash
• Manohar Gottapu (PhD candidate), Modeling the Hydration of Tricalcium Silicate-Based  Cements

Completed Thesis:

• Albert Wilson, Determination of Hydration Induced Residual Strains in Ordinary  Portland Cement at Early Ages (MS, August, 2012)
• Ojas Chaudhari, Leaching of Heavy Metals from Lime Fly Ash Cements (MS, August, 2012)
• David Kirby, Effect of Water to Cement Ratio on Hydration of Tricalcium Silicate-Based Cements (MS, August, 2011)
• Naresh Tadisina, Thermodynamic Models for Surface Tension of Dilute Aqueous  Organic Solutions (MS, December, 2010)
• Tiantian Xie, A Population Balance Model of Cement Hydration (PhD, May 2010)
• Pravin Kannan, Physicochemical Studies of Expandable Polystyrene Beads and Foam as Applicable in Lost Foam Castings (PhD, May 2009)
• Narendar Mogulla, Sintering Class F Fly Ash (MS, December 2008)
• Sean Mikel, Measurement of Induced and Residual Strain States in Portland Cement Using Various Novel Techniques (MS, August 2007)
• Anil Vazrala, Sintering of Class F Fly Ash (MS, December 2006).
• Jeremiah W. Batiste, Image-Based Strain Analysis on Cement-Based Materials (MS, August 2006).
• P. Manikya Mellacheruvu, Computational Study of Electrical Field Flow Fractionation (MS, August 2005)
• Carl Parnham, Strain Measurements in Cement-Based Materials Using Synchrotron X-Rays (MS, August 2005)
• Himabindu Gopisetti, Effect of Alkali on the Slag/Calcium Hydroxide Reaction
• Raghavendra Raju Watada, CO Micro-sensors
• Naitik Vyas, Micro-scale Field Flow Fractionation
• Vikranth Dalavaipalle, Distributed Parameter Kinetic Modeling of Portland and Blended Cement Hydration
• Kailas Meenakshisundaram, Properties of Fly Ash and Blast Furnace Slag for Portland Cement Replacement
• Senthil Shanmugasundaram, CFD Modeling of a Diffusion Furnace
• Pravin Kannan, Kinetics of Borosilicate Glass Deposition on Silicon Wafer
• John M. Richardson, Effect of Relative Humidity on Development of Micro- and Nano-pore Water in Hydrating Portland Cement
• Nirav Vora, Determination of Kinetics of Acetylation of 4-hydroxybezoic Acid Using Acetic Anhydride in a Heat Transfer Medium (MS, August 2002)
• Priyabrata Das, Kinetics of Slag Hydration in Portland Cement (MS, December 2002)
• P. Jason Williams, Kinetics and Microanalysis of The Reaction Between Fly Ash and Calcium Hydroxide (MS, August 2001)
• Ramkumar Subramanian - An Engineering Analysis of Boron Doping in a Thermal Diffusion Furnace (MS, August 2001)
• Mohammed Islam - Modeling the Hydrodynamics of a Diffusion Furnace (MS, May 2001)
• Kaushal Bharatkumar Mehta - Modeling Flow Through Microchannels Using Lattice Boltzmann Method (MS, August 2000).
• Bhishma Arunkumar Jani - Engineering Analysis of a Polymerization Process, MS Thesis (MS, May 2000)
• Lau Eik Lang (Jenny) - Kinetic Based Microstructure Simulations for Blended Cements, MS Thesis (MS, December 1999)
• Yewei Wang, Computer Modeling of Planar Diffusion System (PDS) with Boron Nitride as a Solid Source, MS Thesis (MS, 1999).

Undergraduate Research

(2011-2012)

·         Jeff Glancy, Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass

(2009-2010)

·         Lindsey Reed, A Study on the Interaction of Sucrose and Cement Hydration Phases

·         Benjamin Nation, An Efficient Single Particle Model for Cement Hydration

·         Kevin Hale, Development of a Dilute Solution Phase Reactor for Kinetic Studies on Cement Hydration

·         Elly Spreeman, The Effect of Some Potential Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures on Portland Cement Mortars at Early Age

·         Natalia Shlonimskaya, The Surface Tension of Amines and Glycol Ethers in Dilute Aqueous Solution

·         Michael Heimsoth, Phase Evolution for Sintered Fly Ash

·         Tiffany Hughes, Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass

(2008-2009)

·         Lindsey Reed, Kinetic Models for Cement Hydration

·         Benjamin Nation, Kinetic Models for Cement Hydration

(2007-2008)

·         Jordan Dunn, Utilization of Spray Dryer Absorber Materials

·         Tiffany Hughes, Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass

 (2006-2007)

·         Martin Bijou, Oxidative Pyrolysis of Carbon from Fly Ash

·         Melissa Boner, Demonstrating an Electric Field Flow Fractionation Laboratory

·         Jennifer Sinopoli, Image-Based Strain Measurements

·         Dakota Brown, Characterization of Meso-Pores in Hydrated Portland Cement Paste

·         John Raulston, Ice Formation Below -37 ^oC in Hydrated Portland Cement Paste

·         Cody Heathcock, Frequency Effects in Electric Field Flow Fractionation

·         Melissa Boner, Demonstrating an Electric Field Flow Fractionation Laboratory

·         David Kirby, Diffusion Model for Polystyrene Film

(2005-2006)

• Steven Shultz, Diffusion in Polystyrene Foam
• Wes MacDonald, Diffusion in Polystyrene Film
• Jacob Platfoot, Modeling Diffusion in Polystyrene Foam

(2004-2005)

• Kurt Johanns – Thermoporosimetry of Cement-based Materials
• Jordan Nguyen – Digital Image Analysis of Hydrated Blast Furnace Slag/Calcium Hydroxide Mixtures
• Steven Shultz, Diffusion in Polystyrene Foam
• Wes MacDonald, Diffusion in Polystyrene Film
• Jacob Platfoot, Modeling Diffusion in Polystyrene Foam

(2003-2004)

• Jeremiah Batiste - Image-based Strain Measurements in Cement-based Materials

(2002-2003 academic year)

• Carl Parnham – Kinetics of Ti₃SiC₂ Synthesis
• Bryan Divilbiss – Production of Ti₃SiC₂/SiC Composites
• Justin Bender – Combustion Synthesis of MoSi₂/SiC Composites
• Dixie-Ann Sinnette – Characterization and Modeling of a Micro CO Sensor

(2001-2002 academic year)

• Ruud W. J. Dirrix, Alkali Activated Slag Hydration in the Presence of Calcium Hydroxide
• J. Richardson, Micro-pore Water Development in Slag Blended Cement

(2000-2001 academic year)

• Chad Garland, Factors Effecting the Processing of a Melt Infiltrated Si/SiC Composite

(1999-2000 academic year)

• John Richardson - Slag Hydration Kinetics

(1998-1999 academic year)

• John Richardson - Kinetic Study of the Calcium Hydroxide (CH) Fly Ash Reaction
• Casey Schewe - Modeling Diffusion and Reaction in the Solid Source Doping of Silicon Wafers
• Kelly Wyatt - Algorithms for Diffusion Furnace Simulation

(1997-98 academic year)

• Brian McCloud - Nanoprocessing
• Marianne Bucher - Effect of Shear on Portland Cement Hydration
• Shawn Wiley - Effect of Fly Ash on Portland Cement Hydration
• Calandra Looper - Engineering Analysis of Thermal Diffusion Processes in the Solid Source Doping of Silicon Wafers

Professional Experience

Academic Experience:

• Northwestern University/National Science Foundation Center for Science and Technology of Advanced Cement-Based Materials, Department of Civil Engineering (June 1995 - July 1997).

Director of Educational Programs/Senior Lecturer

Industrial Experience: Fifteen years of professional experience in engineering, research and development.

• British Petroleum/The Carborundum Co. Corporate Research (1987-1995)

Materials and Process Development, Optimization and Design

• British Petroleum Corporate Research and Development (1984-1989)

Materials Processing Research and Development

• British Petroleum Corporate Engineering (1980-1984)

Chemical Process Design, Simulation and Evaluation

Publications

Refereed/Archival Publications

1. O. Chaudhari and J. J. Biernacki, Leaching Behavior of Hazardous Heavy Metals from Lime Fly Ash Cements, J. Env. Eng., (in press: posted ahead of print 2 Aug. 2012).
2.  D. M. Kirby and J. J. Biernacki, The Effect of Water-to-Cement Ratio on the Hydration Kinetics of Tricalcium Silicate Cements: Testing the Two-step Hydration Hypothesis, Cem. Concr. Res., 42(8), 1147-1156 (2012).
3. T. Xie, and J. J. Biernacki, Growth of Calcium Hydroxide Islands in Tricalcium Silicate-based Cements at Early Age, J. Am. Cer. Soc, 95(9), 2808-2819 (2012).
4. T. Xie and J. J. Biernacki, The Origins and Evolution of Cement Hydration Models, Comp. Concr., 8(6), 647-675 (2011).
5. Y. Wei, W. Hansen, J. J. Biernacki and E. Schlangen, Unified Shrinkage Model for Concrete from Autogenous Shrinkage Test on Paste with and without GGBFS, ACI Mat. J., 108(1), 13-20 (2011).
6. J. J. Biernacki and T. Xie, An Advanced Single Particle Model for C₃S and Alite Hydration, J. Am. Cer. Soc.,94(7), 2037-2047 (2011).
7. J. Thomas, J. J. Biernacki, J. W. Bullard, S. Bishnoi, J. S. Dolado, G. W. Scherer and A. Luttge, Modeling and Simulation of Cement Hydration Kinetics and Microstructure Development, Cem. Concr. Res., 41(12), 1257-1278, (2011).
8. J. J. Biernacki, International Summit on Cement Hydration kinetics and Modeling, invited editorial to 40^th Anniversary Issue, Cem. Concr. Res., 41(1), 1206-1207 (2011).
9. J. J. Biernacki, N. R. Mogulla, J. Bollig and M. Bijou, Kinetics of Carbon Combustion from Fly Ash, Fuel, 89, 1077-1086 (2010).
10. P. Kannan, J. J. Biernacki and D. Visco, Fast Pyrolysis Kinetics of Expanded Polystyrene Foam, AIChE J., 56(6), 1569-1577 (2009).
11. S. E. Mikel, J. J. Biernacki and T. Gnaeupel-Herold, A Neutron Diffraction-Based technique for Determining Phase Resolved Strains in Portland Cement, ACI Mat. J., 106(5), 455-460 (2009).
12. P. Kannan, J. J. Biernacki and D. P. Visco, Kinetics of Thermal Decomposition of Expanded Polystyrene in Different Gaseous Environments, J. Anal. Appl. Pyrol., 84, 139-144 (2009).
13. J. J. Biernacki, with the Faculty and Staff, The Department of Chemical Engineering at Tennessee Technological University, Chem. Eng. Ed., 42(3) 118-124 (Summer, 2008).
14. J. J. Biernacki, P. M. Mellacheruvu and S. Mahajan, Poisson’s Effects in Electrical Field Flow Fractionation, J. Separation Sci., 31(12), 2219-2230 (2008).
15. J. J. Biernacki, A. K. Vazrala and H. W. Leimer, Sintering of a Class F Fly Ash, Fuel, 87(6) 782-792 (2008).
16. B. J. Mohr, J. J. Biernacki and K. E. Kurtis, Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Mitigating Degradation of Kraft Pulp fiber-Cement Composites, Cem. Concr. Res., 37(11) 1531-1543 (2007).
17. P. Kannan, J. J. Biernacki and D. P. Visco, Jr., A Review of the Kinetic Models for Thermal Degradation of Expanded Polystyrene Foam and Application to the Lost Foam Casting Process, J. An. App. Pyrol., 78(1) 162-171 (January 2007).
18. B. J. Mohr, J. J. Biernacki, K. E. Kurtis, Microstructural and Microchemical Changes in Pulp Fiber-Cement Composites During Wet/Dry Cycling, for Cem. Concr. Res. 36, 1240-1251 (2006).
19. J. J. Biernacki, P. M. Mellacheruvu and S. Mahajan, An Electric Circuit Model for Electric Field Flow Fractionation, Anal. Chem. 78, 4998-5005 (2006).
20. J. J. Biernacki, C. J. Parnham, J. Bai, T. R. Watkins and C. R. Hubbard, Phase Resolved Stain Measurements in Hydrated Ordinary Portland Cement Using Synchrotron X-rays, 89[9] 2853-2859 (2006).
21. J. J. Biernacki, S. Gopalakrishnan, M. C. Garcia-Juenger, M. Lopez de Murphy, K. Subramaniam, J. Weiss, D. Jansen, N. Lakshmanan and S. P. Shah, Indo-US Workshop on High Performance Concrete Composites, J. Structural Engineering, 32(4) 275-282 (2005).
22. S. Shanmugasundaram, J. J. Biernacki, and R. Subramanian, Variation in Boron Doping by Planar Diffusion - A Comparative Study of Computational Hydrodynamics and Experimental Observations, Mat. Scie. Tech., 21(9) 1103-1110 (2005).
23. P. J. Williams, J. J. Biernacki, C. J. Rawn, L. Walker, J. Bai, Microanalytical and Computational Analysis of a Class F Fly Ash, ACI Mat. J., 102(5) 330-337 (2005).
24. J. J. Biernacki, A Course-level Strategy for Continuous Improvement, Chem. Eng. Ed., 39(3) 186-193 (2005).
25. J. J. Biernacki and N. Vyas, A One-Dimensional Transient Model of Electric Field Flow Fractionation, J. Electrophoresis, 26(1), 18-27 (2005).
26. J. J. Biernacki, P. Kannan, H. Meyer and C. Blue, Kinetics of Borosilicate Glass Deposition, J. Mat. Res. 19(3), 873-879 (2004).
27. J. J. Biernacki, R. Subramanian, M. R. Islam, C. Schewe and M. C. Rogers, Gas Phase Mixing and Dispersion in a Diffusion Furnace, J. Elec. Chem. Soc. 151(1) in press (2004).
28. P. J. Williams, J. J. Biernacki, J. Bai and C. J. Rawn, Assessment of a Synchrotron X-ray Method for Quantitative Analysis of Calcium Hydroxide, Cem. Concr. Res., 33, 1553-1559 (2003).
29. J. J. Biernacki, N. D. Vora, D. J. Crouse and D. J. Swartling, Kinetics of 4-Acetoxybenzoic Acid Synthesis, Designed Monomers and Polymer 6(2) 159-173 (2003).
30. J. J. Biernacki, J. M. Richardson, P. Stutzman and D. P. Bentz, Kinetics of Slag Hydration in the Presence of Calcium Hydroxide, J. Am. Cer. Soc., 85(9), 2261-2267 (2002).
31. P. J. Williams, J. J. Biernacki, L. R. Walker, H. M. Meyer, C. J. Rawn and J. Bai, Microanalysis of Alkali Activated Fly Ash/CH Pastes, Cem. Conc. Res., 32, 963-972 (2002).
32. J. M. Richardson, J. J. Biernacki, P. Stutzman and D. P. Bentz, Stoichiometry of Slag Hydration in the Presence of Calcium Hydroxide, J. Am. Cer. Soc., 85(4) 947-953 (2002).
33. J. J. Biernacki, P. Stutzman and P. J. Williams, Kinetics of the Reaction Between Fly Ash and Calcium Hydroxide, ACI Mat. J., 98(4), 340-349 (2001).
34. J. J. Biernacki and C. D. Wilson, Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Advanced Materials: A Team-Oriented Inquiry-Based Approach, J. Eng. Ed., 1-4 (October 2001).
35. J. J. Biernacki and J. B. Ayers, Teaching Cellular Automaton Concepts Through Interdisciplinary Collaborative Learning, Chem. Eng. Ed., 34(4), 204-309, 315 (Fall 2000).
36. J. J. Biernacki, G. Wotzak, Generation of Silicon Monoxide Gas and Stoichiometry of the C+SiO₂ Reaction, J. American Ceramic Society, 72(1) 122-29 (1989).
37. J. J. Biernacki, G. Wotzak, Thermogravimetric Study of the C+SiO₂ Reaction, J. Thermal Analysis, 35 1651-1667 (1989).

In Review

1.      H. M. Kayello, N. K. R. Tadisina, N. Shlonimskaya, J. J. Biernacki and D. P. Visoc Jr., Identification of Potentially New Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures (SRA) for Concrete: The Application of Computer-Aided Molecular Design (CAMD) Using the Signature Molecular Descriptor, J. Am. Ceram. Soc., in review.

In Processes

1.      T. Xie, and J. J. Biernacki, The Hydration of Tricalcium Silicates and the Development of Calcium Silicate Hydration Bulk Density at Early Age, for J. Am. Cer. Soc, in preparation.

Books, Book Chapters, Manuscripts

1. J. J. Biernacki, J. W. Bullard, D. Constantiner, M. Juenger, J. H. Cheung, W. Hansen, R. D. Hooton, A. Luttge, and J. Thomas, Paving the Way for a More Sustainable Concrete Infrastructure – A Vision for the Development of a Comprehensive Description of Cement Hydration Dynamics, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in press.
2. Proceedings of the Indo-U.S. Workshop on High-Performance Cement-Based Concrete Composites, Chennai, India (2005),  Materials Science of Concrete, Special Volume, ed. J. J. Biernacki, S. Gopalakrishnan, N. Lakshmanan and S. P. Shah, ACerS, p. 313 (2005) Westerville, OH.
3. J. J. Biernacki and L. Walhof, Concrete - An Infrastructure Material, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, p. 72 (1998).
4. J. J. Biernacki and K. Wang, Cement and Concrete - State of the Art Report on Education, Cements Research Progress, ch. 8, ed. L. J. Struble, pp. 231-256, American Ceramic Society, OH (invited feature chapter for 1997).

Conference Proceedings

1.      J. J. Biernacki, D. P. Visco, Jr., and H. M. Kayello, Computer aided molecular design – A course-grain tool for accelerating discovery of molecular interactions with cement, Proceedings of the International US-Poland Workshop on Multiscale Computational Modeling of Cementitious Materials, October 18-19,2012, Krakow, Poland., Krakow University of Technology, pp. 49-58.

2. J. J. Biernacki, N. R. Mogula, J. K. Dunne and R. R. Nagoulu, Kinetics of Sintering for a Class-F Fly Ash: A Sintering Model, Proceedings of Brittle Matrix Comoposites 10, Warsaw, Poland, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ed. A. M. Brandt, J. Olek, M. A. Glinicki and C. K. Y. Leung, Woodhead Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, Waraw (2012), pp. 71-89.
3. J. J. Biernacki, and C. Wilson, Introducing Interdisciplinary Content through Electives, Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education, Vancouver, CA, paper No. 1831, accepted (June 26-29, 2011).
4. J. J. Biernacki, and C. Wilson, Student teams, a simulation or a real team experience?, Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education, Vancouver, CA, paper No. 1834, accepted (June 26-29, 2011).
5. J. J. Biernacki, D. P. Visco, E. Thurber, and R. Pavlovski, Using Web Applets to Stimulate Learning, Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education, Vancouver, CA, paper No. 2501, accepted (June 26-29, 2011).
6. J. J. Biernacki, Experimental Techniques for Multi-Scale Characterization of Mechanical Response in Cement-Based Materials, Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on brittle Matrix Composites, Warsaw, Poland, (25-29 October, 2009).
7. W. Hansen, Y. Peng, C. Borgnakke and J. J. Biernacki, Pozzolanic Reactivity Index of Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete, Proceedings of the 2008 NSF Engineering Research and Innovation Conference, Knoxville, TN, in press (2007).
8. J. J. Biernacki, RUI: Micro- and Meso-Scale Strain in Cement-Based Materials, Proceedings of the 2008 NSF Engineering Research and Innovation Conference, Knoxville, TN, in press (2007).
9. J. J. Biernacki, A. Vazrala, Interpretation of Sintering Data for Fly Ash, Proceedings of the World of Coal Ash (2007).
10. J. J. Biernacki, A. Vazrala, H. Sedrick, Economics of Lightweight Aggregate Production form Fly Ash, Proceedings of the World of Coal Ash (2007).
11. J. J. Biernacki, S. E. Mikel, C. J. Parnham, R. Wang, J. Bai, T. R. Watkins, M. Lance and C. R. Hubbard, Direct Phase-Resolved Strain Measurements in Cementitious Materials, Transport Properties and Concrete Quality, Materials Science of Concrete, Special Volume, Proceedings of the Transport Properties and Concrete Quality Workshop, Arizona State Univesity, Tempe, AZ (October 10-12, 2005), eds., B. Mobashar and J. Skalny (2007) Wiley, NJ.
12. P. M. Mellacheruvu, S. M. Mahajan, C. L. Carnal and J. J. Biernacki, Application of Fourier and Laplace Transform Techniques for Modeling an Electric Circuit having Time-Varying Components, (2006).
13. J. J. Biernacki, S. Gopalakrishnan, N. Lakshmanan and S. P. Shah, Indo-US Workshop on High Performance Concrete Composites, accepted, Concrete International (2006).
14. J. J. Biernacki, et al., Long Lines, Short Tempers, a case study in, Entrepreneurs in Action: A College Wide Cross-Disciplinary Problem-Based Learning Environment for Entrepreneurship, by R. W. Clouse, Proceedings of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Tuscan, Arizona, accepted (January 12-15, 2006).
15. J. J. Biernacki, S. E. Mikel and R. Wang, Direct Phase-Resolved Strain Measurements in Cementitious Materials, Proceedings of the Workshop on Transport Properties and Concrete Durability, Mesa, Arizona, (October 10-12, 2005) invited.
16. Y. Peng, W. Hansen, C. Borgnakke and J. J. Biernacki, Hydration Kinetics of Portland Cement Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), Proceedings, ConMat’05, Construction Materials: Performance, Innovations and Structural Implications, Vancouver, Canada (August 22-24, 2005).
17. J. J. Biernacki and C. Parnham, Meso-Scale Strain Measurements Using Synchrotron X-Rays, Proceedings of the Workshop on High-Performance Cement-Based Concrete Composites,” Chennai, India, (January 2005).
18. Y. Peng, W. Hansen, C. Borgnakke and J. J. Biernacki, Hydration Kinetics of Portland Cement Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), Proceedings of the Workshop on High-Performance Cement-Based Concrete Composites,” Chennai, India, (January 2005).
19. J. J. Biernacki, The Kinetics of Type-F Fly Ash in the Presence of Calcium Hydroxide, Proceedings of the International Conference on Advances in Concrete Composites and Structures, 1, 23-34 (2005) invited keynote paper.
20. J. J. Biernacki, R. Dirrix, K. Menakshisundaram and W. Hansen, Effect of Alkali on the Hydration of Blast Furnace Slag in the Presence of Calcium Hydroxide, Proceedings of the International Symposium on Advances in Concrete Through Science and Engineering, RILEM Spring Meeting (March 21-26, 2004).
21. Y. Peng, W. Hansen, C. Borgnakke, I. Pane, J. C. Roumain and J. J. Biernacki, Thermo-kinetics of Cement Hydration: Temperature Effect and Activation Energy, Proceedings of the International Symposium on Advances in Concrete Through Science and Engineering, RILEM Spring Meeting (March 21-26, 2004).
22. J. J. Biernacki, N. Vyas, Modeling of Micro-Electric Field Flow Fractionation, Proceedings of the AIChE Annual Meeting (November 2003).
23. J. J. Biernacki, J. A. Fry, H. V. Gopisetti and R. R. Watada, Carbon Monoxide Microsensors, Proceedings of the 2002 Annual Meeting of the AIChE (November 2002).
24. A. Mahatvaraj, N. D. Vora, J. Bush, G. Cunningham, J. J. Biernacki and J. Frolik, Surface Micro-Machined Mirrors Using Simple Floating and Fixed Hinge Designs for Three-Layer Process, proceedings of the ASME Congress 2001 (November 11-16, 2001).
25. J. J. Biernacki and J. B. Ayers, Interdisciplinary Studies in Multi-Scale Simulation of Concrete Materials - An Experiment in Peer-Oriented Collaborative Learning, Proceedings of the 6th Annual Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement Workshop, Northwestern University (July, 1999).
26. K. Wang, C. Dowding and J. J. Biernacki, Interdisciplinary Team-based Research for Undergraduates, ASEE 1999 Illinois-Indiana Section Conference (1999).
27. J. J. Biernacki, Concrete - An Infrastructure Material, A Model for Inquiry-Based Learning, Proceedings of the 5th ACBM Faculty Enhancement Workshop, Northwestern University (July, 1998).
28. J. J. Biernacki, S. P. Shah, Advancing Engineering Education, Proceedings of the 1997 International Conference on Engineering Education (August 14-15, 1997).
29. J. J. Biernacki, V. Venkateswaran, M. Anderjacek, Scaling Technology for Production of Continuous Ceramic Fiber, proceedings of the 21st Annual Cocoa Beach Conference and Exposition on Composites, Advanced Ceramics, Materials and Structures, ACerS (Jan. 12-16, 1997).
30. J. J. Biernacki, Y. Shao, L. Walhof, Infrastructure Materials - An Inquiry-based Design Sequence, proceedings of the ASEE 1997 Annual Conference, (June 15-17, 1997).
31. J. J. Biernacki, C. Dowding, Interdisciplinary Team Research with Undergraduates, proceedings of the ASEE 1997 Annual Conference, (June 15-17, 1997).
32. J. J. Biernacki, D. A. Lange, Educational Program Highlights the Materials Science Aspects of Concrete, Concrete International, (Dec. 1996).
33. M. Tenhover, J. J. Biernacki, F. Ko, Engineering-Scale Development of the Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) Process for the Production of Silicon Carbide Fibrils and Linear Fibril Assemblies, proceedings of the Ninth Annual Conference of Fossil Energy Materials, DOE Office of Fossil Energy Advanced Research and Technology Development, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (May 16-18, 1995).

Presentations

Invited

1. J. J. Biernacki, The Origins and Evolution of Cement Hydration Models, Ohio University, September 14, 2010.
2. J. J. Biernacki, An Advanced Single Particle Model for Alite and C₃S Hydration, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, August 6, 2010.
3. J. J. Biernacki, The Origins and Evolution of Cement Hydration Models, Wayne State University, March 31, 2010.
4. J. J. Biernacki, Direct Phase-Resolved Strain Measurements in Cementitious Materials, University of Tennessee, WebCast Seminar Series, September 7, 2006, (invited), University of Tennessee, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Knoxville, TN.
5. 2006 ASEE, Southeast Section, Thomas C. Evans Award Lecture, best paper, (J. J. Biernacki, A Quantitative Course-level Strategy for Using ABET-based Assessment Outcomes, Chem. Eng. Ed., 39(3) 186-193 (2005)).
6. Hydration of Fly Ash in the Presence of Calcium Hydroxide, International Conference on Advances in Concrete Composites and Structures (ICACS), invited keynote (January 6-8, 2005).
7. J. J. Biernacki, S. E. Mikel, C. J. Parnham, R. Wang, J. Bai, T. R. Watkins, M. Lance and C. R. Hubbard, Direct Phase-Resolved Strain Measurements in Cementitious Materials, Transport Properties and Concrete Quality Workshop, October 10-12, 2005, (invited) Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
8. J. J. Biernacki, Integrating the Materials Science, Engineering and Field Aspects of Concrete, American Concrete Institute, Spring Convention (invited, March 1996).

Others

9. H. Kayello, D. Visco, and J. J. Biernacki, Computer-aided Molecular Design (CAMD) Using the Signature Molecular Descriptor: Identification of New Admixtures for Concrete, 2^nd Advances in Cement-based Materials: Characterization, Processing, Modeling and Sensing, ACerS, July 2011.
10. N. Tadisina, D. Visco, J. J. Biernacki, H. Kayello and N. Shlonimskaya, Searching for Shrinkage reducing Admixtures – A Model-based Approach, 2^nd Advances in Cement-based Materials: Characterization, Processing, Modeling and Sensing, ACerS, July 2011.
11. D. Kirby, J. J. Biernacki and R. M. Britton, The Effect of Water on Hydration of Tricalcium Silicate-based Cement, 2^nd Advances in Cement-based Materials: Characterization, Processing, Modeling and Sensing, ACerS, July 2011.
12. J. Murillo, J. J. Biernacki, C. P. Bagley, Multi-scale Study on the Pyrolysis of Sustainable biomass Feedstock, AIChE Annual Meeting, October 2011.
13. R. Tijaro, M. Oyanader, J. J. Biernacki, An Integrated Curricula Approach to a Great Capstone Lab Experience and Its Potential Implementation in South America, AIChE Annual Meeting, October 2011.
14. O. Chaudhari, J. J. Biernacki, Leaching Behavior of Hazardous Heavy Metals from Lime Fly Ash Cements, AIChE Annual Meeting, October 2011.
15. M. Gottapu, J. J. Biernacki, Multi-component Continuum-based Single Particle Model for Tri-Calcium Silicate Hydration, AIChE Annual Meeting, October 2011.
16. J. J. Biernacki and P. Arce, Introduction to Chemical and Biological Engineering Analysis – An Intial Condition for Teaching Trasnfer Science and Reaction Engineering, AIChE Annual Meeting, October 2011.
17. J. J. Biernacki, E. Thurber, R. Pavlovski, D. P. Visco, M. Oyanader and H. Stretz, Research Experience for Teachers in Manufacturing for Comptetitiveness in the United States-RetainUS, AIChE Annual Meeting, November 2010.
18. J. D. Murillo, T. Hughes, P. Ambuken, J. J. Biernacki, and C. P. Bagley,  Comparative Pyrolysis Kinetics for One Legume and Two Grass Hays, AIChE Annual Meeting, November 2010.
19. N. K. R. Tadisina, D. P. Visco, Jr., J. J. Biernacki, H. Kayello, N. Shlonimskaya,  Prediction of Surface Tension for Dilute Binary Aqueous Systems Using a Molecular Thermodynamic-Based Model, AIChE Annual Meeting, November 2010.
20. J. J. Biernacki, T. Xie, A Mass Continuity-Based Continuum Mecanical Single Particle Model for Alite/C₃S Hydration, American Ceramics Society, Cements Division Annual Meeting, July 2010.
21. J. J. Biernacki, C. D. Wilson, S. Mahajan, G. T. Cunningham and S. A. Parke, MEMS (Micorelectromechanical Systems) – A Model System of Interdisciplinary Design, AIChE Annual Meeting (2008).
22. J. J. Biernacki, P. E. Arce, M. Oyanader, I. Carpen and D. P. Visco, Learning to Design Experiments – An Integrated Approach, AIChE Annual Meeting (2008).
23. J. J. Biernacki, The role of Chemical Engineering in the Sustainable Use of Concrete, AIChE Annual Meeting (2008).
24. P. Kannan, J. J. Biernacki and D. P. Visco, Kinetics of Thermal Decomposition of Expanded Polystyrene in Different Gaseous Environments, AIChE Annual Meeting (2008).
25. J. J. Biernacki, T. Xie and W. Hansen, Particle Stimulated Early Age Hydration Kinetics, MS&T/ACerS Annual Meeting (2008).
26. J. J. Biernacki, and P. Arce, Coaching Students for Improved Team Performance, AIChE Annual Meeting (2007).
27. P. E. Arce, J. J. Biernacki, I. Carpen, V. Subramanian, A Micro-Macro Transport Sequence for the CHE Curriculum: Role of Scaling, AIChE Annual Meeting (2007).
28. J. J. Biernacki, Continuous Improvement Across the Curriculum, AIChE Annual Meeting (2007).
29. J. J. Biernacki, S. E. Mikel, B. Mohr, T. Gnaeupel-Herold and J. Almer, Residual Strain in Hydrating Portland Cement, ACerS Annual Meeting (2007).
30. J. J. Biernacki, T. Xie, W. Holt, S. E. Mikel, J. Koller, W. Hansen and J. Bai, Multi-Scale Kinetics-Based model for Supplementary Cementitiuos Materials:  Kinetics of Portland Cement and Slag Blended Cement – An Interim Report, ACerS Annual Meeting (2007).
31. J. J. Biernacki, A. Vazrala, Interpretation of Sintering Data for Fly Ash, World of Coal Ash (2007).
32. J. J. Biernacki, A. Vazrala, H. Sedrick, Economics of Lightweight Aggregate Production form Fly Ash, World of Coal Ash (2007).
33. J. J. Biernacki, S. E. Mikel and T. Gnopal-Harold, Determination of Strain States in Ordinary Portland Cement Using Neutron Diffraction, ACerS Annual Meeting, 2006.
34. J. J. Biernacki, S. E. Mikel and M. Lance, In Situ Micro-Scale Strain Sensing in Cement Using Photo-Stimulated Luminescence Spectroscopy, ACerS Annual Meeting, 2006.
35. Y. Nouri, W. Hansen, C. Borgnakke and J. J. Biernacki, Hydration Mechanisms and Modeling of Blended Cements in the Presence of Set-Modifying Admixtures, ACerS Annual Meeting, 2006.
36. J. J. Biernacki, D. P. Visco and P. Arce, Curricular Reform at Tennessee Technological University, AIChE National Meeting, 2006.
37. J. J. Biernacki and R. Loutzenheiser, Tennessee Technological University Math and Science Partnership, AIChE National Meeting, 2006.
38. P. Kannan, J. J. Biernacki, and D. P. Visco, Gas Diffusion in Polystyrene Film, AIChE National Meeting, 2006.
39. P. Kannan, J. J. Biernacki, and D. P. Visco, Diffusion in Polystyrene: a Multi-Scale Approach, AIChE National Meeting, 2006.
40. P. Arce, J. J. Biernacki, and P. Melton, The Experimental Prototype: Critical Thinking and Real-World Problem Solving in Engineering Education, AIChE National Meeting, 2006.
41. J. J. Biernacki, R. W. Clouse, G. Cunningham, S. Mahajan and C. Wilson, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) – An Authentic Interdisciplinary Educational Experience, AIChE National Meeting, 2005.
42. P. M. Mellacheruvu, J. J. Biernacki and S. Mahajan, An Electric Circuit Model for Electric Field Flow Fractionation, AIChE National Meeting, 2005.
43. J. J. Biernacki, P. M. Mellacheruvu and S. Mahajan, Non-Linear Field Based Modeling of Electric Field Flow Fractionation, AIChE National Meeting, 2005.
44. J. J. Biernacki and K. Johans, Revisiting Thermoporometry as a Technique for Pore Structure Characterization, ACerS Annul Meeting, 2005.
45. Y. Peng, W. Hansen, C. Borgnakke and J. J. Biernacki, Hydration Kinetics of Portland Cement Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), Proceedings, ConMat’05, Construction Materials: Performance, Innovations and Structural Implications, Vancouver, Canada (August 22-24, 2005).
46. J. J. Biernacki, C. J. Parnham, C. R. Hubbard, T. R. Watkins and J. Bai, Micro- and Meso-Scale Train Measurements in Cement-Based Materials, Denver X-ray Conference, Colorado Springs, Colorado (August, 1-5, 2005).
47. Y. Peng, W. Hansen, C. Borgnakke and J. J. Biernacki, Hydration Kinetics of Portland Cement Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials, Workshop on High-Performance Cement-Based Concrete Composites, Chennai, India (January 3-5, 2005).
48. J. J. Biernacki and C. Parnham, Meso-Scale Strain Measurements Using Synchrotron X-Rays, Workshop on High-Performance Cement-Based Concrete Composites, Chennai, India (January 3-5, 2005).
49. J. J. Biernacki and N. Vyas, Frequency Response in Pulsed Field  Electrical Field Flow Fractionation, AIChE Annual Meeting (November 2004).
50. J. J. Biernacki and J. M. Richardson, Thermoporosimetry, 106th Annual Meeting of the ACerS (April 2004).
51. J. J. Biernacki, C. Parnham, T. Watkins, J. Bai and C. Hubbard, Using Synchrotron X-rays to Measure Strain in Cement-Based Materials, 106th Annual Meeting of the ACerS (April 2004).
52. J. J. Biernacki and C. Wilson, Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Advanced Materials: A Team-oriented Inquiry-based Approach, AIChE Annual Meeting (November 2003).
53. J. J. Biernacki and N. Vyas, Modeling of Micro Electrical Field-Flow Fractionation, AIChE Annual Meeting (November 2003).
54. J. J. Biernacki and J. M. Richardson, Characterization of nano-porosity in Cement Using Thermoporosimetry, AIChE Annual Meeting (November 2003).
55. J. J. Biernacki and V. Dalavaipalle, Theoretical Study of Hydration Kinetics of Individual Phase Components of Portland Cement, 105th Annual Meeting of the ACerS (April 2003).
56. J. J. Biernacki and J. M. Richardson, Effect of Curing Conditions on Early Age nano- and micro-pore Structure Development, 105th Annual Meeting of the ACerS (April 2003).
57. J. J. Biernacki, J. A. Fry, H. Gopisetti and R. R. Watada, Carbon Monoxide Microsensors, 2002 Annual Meeting of the AIChE (November 2002).
58. J. J. Biernacki, P. Kannan, H. Meyer, Kinetics of Borosilicate Glass Deposition, 2002 Annual Meeting of the AIChE (November 2002).
59. J. J. Biernacki, N. Vyas, G. Cunningham, M. J. M. Wells, Micro Field-Flow-Fractionation, 2002 Annual Meeting of the AIChE (November 2002).
60. J. J. Biernacki, J. A. Fry, H. Gopisetti and R. R. Watada, Carbon Monoxide Microsensors, 2002 Annual Meeting of the AIChE (November 2002).
61. J. J. Biernacki, P. Kannan, H. Meyer, Kinetics of Borosilicate Glass Deposition, 2002 Annual Meeting of the AIChE (November 2002).
62. J. J. Biernacki, N. Vyas, G. Cunningham, M. J. M. Wells, Micro Field-Flow-Fractionation, 2002 Annual Meeting of the AIChE (November 2002).
63. J. J. Biernacki, P. J. Williams, J. D. York and J. Richardson, An Investigation of Early Age Curing Behavior and Micro-Pore Water Development in Blended Cement Systems, AIChE Annual Meeting (accepted, November 4-9, 2001).
64. J. J. Biernacki, Applying ABET Criteria to Classroom Level Student Assessment, AIChE Annual Meeting (accepted, November 4-9, 2001).
65. E. J. Garboczi and J. J. Biernacki, Computational Concrete in the Classroom, ACI Fall Convention (accepted, October 28-November 2, 2001).
66. J. J. Biernacki, C. D. Wilson and P. J. Williams, Using Materials Engineering as a Basis for Interdisciplinary Activities, ASEE Annual Meeting (June 24-27, 2001).
67. P. J. Williams, J. J. Biernacki, C. J. Rawn and J. Bai, Using Synchrotron XRD to Monitor CH-Fly Ash Hydration Reaction, ACerS 103rd Annual Meeting (April 22-25, 2001).
68. P. J. Williams, J. J. Biernacki, C. J. Rawn and L. Walker, Chemistry and Kinetics of CH-Fly Ash Hydration Reaction, ACerS 103rd Annual Meeting (April 22-25, 2001).
69. J. Richardson and J. J. Biernacki, Slag Hydration in the Presence of Calcium Hydroxide, AIChE 2000 Annual Meeting (November 12-17, 2000).
70. J. J. Biernacki and P. J. Williams, Simulation of Hydration Responses for Fly Ash Blended Cements, AIChE 2000 Annual Meeting (November 12-17, 2000).
71. J. J. Biernacki, M. R. Islam, C. G. Schewe, R. Subramanian and M. C. Rogers, Dynamic Simulation and Analysis for Diffusion Furnace Processing, AIChE 2000 Annual Meeting (November 12-17, 2000).
72. K. B. Mehta and J. J. Biernacki, Evaluation of Lattice Boltzmann Approach for Simulation of Rarefied Gas Flows, 9th Int. Conf. Discrete Flow Sim., Los Alomos National Laboratory (August 21-24, 2000).
73. J. J. Biernacki and C. D. Wilson, Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Advanced Materials: A team-Oriented Inquiry-Based Approach - Phase I, ASEE 2000 Annual Conference (June 2000).
74. J. J. Biernacki, Y. Wang, T. Clere and M. Rogers, Towards Development of a Systems Approach to Control, Optimization and Sustained Development of Planar Diffusion, 195th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society (1999).
75. J. J. Biernacki, Kinetic Study of the Reaction Between Coal Fly Ash and Calcium Hydroxide, 108th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science (November 20, 1998) also ACerS 1999 Annual Meeting with E. Garboczi and K. Snyder (1999).
76. E. L. Lau and J. J. Biernacki, Modeling the Kinetic and Transport Effect in Pozzolanic Reaction Using Cellular Automata, 109th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science (November 19, 1999).
77. J. J. Biernacki, E. J. Garboczi, D. Bentz and T. Conway, Kinetic-Based Microstructure Simulations for Blended Cements, ACI Spring Convention (April 1999).
78. J. J. Biernacki, E. Garboczi and K. Snyder, Kinetic Study of the Reaction Between Coal Fly Ash and Calcium Hydroxide, ACerS 101st Annual Meeting (April 1999).
79. J. J. Biernacki and K. Wang, Cement and Concrete - State-of-the-Art Report on Education, ACerS 1999 Annual Meeting (1999).
80. Y. Wang and J. J. Biernacki, Computer Modeling of Planar Diffusion System with Boron Nitride as a Solid Source, 108th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science, poster (November 20, 1998).
81. J. J. Biernacki, Modeling in Industry - Model Based Process Optimization, Workshop on an Integrated Methodology for the Use of Process Models in Manufacturing, MIT Endicott House (January 1994).
82. J. J. Biernacki, I. Rupple, Properties and Application of SiC Tube, AIChE National Meeting (November 1992).
83. J. J. Biernacki, G. Force, Design of a Very-High-Temperature Fluidized Bed Reactor, AIChE National Meeting (October 1989).

Courses Taught

Fall Semesters (date last taught)

• CHE-2011 – Biological and Chemical Engineering Analysis (Fall 2012)
• CHE-2210 – Chemical Engineering Laboratory I (Fall 2006)
• CHE-3110 - Tranfer Science I (Fall 2005)
• CHE 3111 – Transfer Science I – Conduction, Radiation and Diffusion (Fall 2008)
• CHE-4230 - Chemical Engineering Laboratory - Materials Engineering (Fall 1999)
• CHE-4230 - Chemical Engineering Laboratory - Chem-E-Car (Fall 2000)
• CHE-4230 – Chemical Engineering Laboratory III (Fall 2005)
• CHE-4410 – Chemical Engineering Design I (Fall 2011)
• CHE-4470/5470 - Interdisciplinary Studies in Advanced Materials Engineering  (Fall 2010)
• CHE-4510/5510 - Applied Mathematics in Chemical Engineering (Fall 98)
• CHE-6110 - Advanced Transfer Science (Fall 2001)
• CHE-6810 - Guided Studies in Statistical Mechanics and Transport Processes in Microsystems (Fall 99)
• CHE-7420 – Advanced Topics in Multi-Scale Simulation of Materials (Fall 2006)
• CHE-7970 – Select Topics in X-Ray Methods (Fall 2007)

Spring Semesters (last taught)

• CHE-1510 – Computer Applications in Chemical Engineering (Spring 2013)
• CHE-3021 – Separations and Solution Thermodynamics (Spring 2011)
• CHE-3120 - Transport Science II (Spring 2005)
• CHE 4240 – Chemical Engineering Laboratory IVa (Spring 2005)
• CHE 4420 – Process Design II (Spring 2012)
• CHE-4810 - Developing Areas in Chemical Engineering (Spring 2005)
• CHE 4950/5950 – Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)  (syllabus, announcement) (Spring 2005) \
• CHE-6210 – Advanced Reaction Kinetics (Spring 2013)
• CHE-6530 - Chemical Engineering Optimization (Spring 99)
• CHE-7970 – Molecular Modeling (Spring 2012)
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Multi-Scale Simulation of Concrete Materials (syllabus, announcement) (Spring 99)

Grants

Current and Past Research Sponsors

• Holcim, Ltd.
• Saint Gobain
• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
• Tennessee Technological University, Center for the Management, Utilization and Protection of Water Resources
• Tennessee Technological University, Center for Manufacturing Research
• Tennessee Technological University, Center for Energy Systems
• Tennessee Technological University Faculty Research Fund

Ongoing Funded Activities

·         Principal Investigator, MRI: Acquisition of XRD Attachments for Extending X-Ray Lab Capabilities with Temperature and Atmosphere Control, NSF Grant Award No. DMR-0923042, $171,083 with J. Zhu (August 2009-August 2010).

·         Principal Investigator, Set Controlling Admixture Design, W. R. Grace, $22,000, with D. P. Visco (August 2009-January 2010).

·         Principal Investigator, RUI: Controlling the Properties and Performance of Concrete Using Computer Aided Molecular Design, NSF Grant Proposal No. CMMI-0928539, $353,708, with D. P. Visco (August 2009-August 2012).

·         Principal Investigator, International Summit on Cement Hydration Kinetics, NSF, W. R. Grace, Mapei, BASF, and FHWA, $49,580, Grant No. 0757284, with W. Hansen (UM) (May 2008-May 2009).

Completed Funded Grants and Consulting Activities

• Co-PI with W. Hansen, University of Michigan, Multi-scale Kinetic-based Model for Early Age Mechanical Behavior of Cements Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials, NSF Grant No. CMS-0510854, $127,723 (July 2005-June 2009).
• Principal Investigator, Fly Ash Utilization, Tennessee Valley Authority, $46,723 (March, 2005-June, 2007).
• Proprietary Grant, $31,980/$31,980 (Jan. 2004-Dec. 2004) Principal Investigator.
• Principal Investigator, RUI: Micro- and Meso-scale Strain Measurements in Cement-Based Materials, NSF Grant Proposal No. CMS-0324616, $235,000 (August 2003-July 2006).
• Principal Investigator, International: Indo-US Workshop on High Performance Cement Based Concrete Composites, NSF Grant Proposal No. 0352838, $24,000 (March 2004-March 2005).
• Proprietary Grant, $10,354/$10,354 (Jan. 2004-Dec. 2004) Principal Investigator
• Principal Investigator, Acquisition of a Scanning Electron Microscope, NSF Grant No. DMR-0115961, $250,000 (July 31, 2001-July, 2003).
• Principal Investigator, Microanalysis In Science and Engineering K-12 Education Initiative, NSF Supplement to Grant No. DMR-0115961, Supplement 0222071, $19,000 (Feb. 2003-July, 2003).
• Principal Investigator, Kinetics and Mechanism of Portland Cement Hydration in the Presence of Fly Ash, Industrial Sponsor, $16,000 (1998).
• Principal Investigator, Kinetic-Based Microstructure Simulations for Blended Cements - Phase I and II, $70,972 (1998-2000).
• Principal Investigator, Reaction Engineering Study - Phase I, Industrial Sponsor, $39,715 (1998-1999).
• Principal Investigator - Nanoprocessing, sponsored by Tennessee Technological University Faculty Research Committee, $2,690 (January 1998 - October 1998).
• Principal Investigator - Engineering Analysis of Thermal Diffusion Processes in the Solid Source Doping of Silicon Wafers - Phase I, Industrial Sponsor, $10,000 (1998).
• Co-Principal Investigator, Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), Interdisciplinary Team Research in Civil Engineering Materials, NSF Grant ID No. EEC-9531302, $174,039 (1996-1998).
• Supplement to NSF Grant ID No. EEC-9531302, $6,200 (1997).
• Co-Principal Investigator, Integrated Laboratory Experience - An Inquiry-Based Approach to Teaching on the Materials Science Aspect of Concrete, NSF Grant ID No. DUE-9750505, $54,000 (1997-1998).
• Consultant, Development of Rapid Setting Inorganic Mortars, Industrial Sponsor (1997).
• Co-author, Concrete - An Infrastructure Material, sponsored by the Materials Research Center and the Materials World Modules program at Northwestern University (June 1995 - June 1998).
• Principal Investigator, Kinetic-Based Microstructural Simulations for Blended Cements - Phase III, Industrial Sponsor, $39,148 (2001).
• Principal Investigator, Reaction Engineering Study - Phase II, Industrial Sponsor, $41,009 (2000).
• Principal Investigator, Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Advanced Materials - A Team-Oriented Inquiry-Based Approach, NSF Grant No. DUE-9950411, $69,154 (June 1999 - Dec. 2000).
• Principal Investigator, Engineering Analysis of Thermal Diffusion Processes in the Solid Source Doping of Silicon Wafer - Phase II, Industrial Sponsor, $40,000 (1999-2001).
• Co-Principal Investigator with G. Cunningham, M. J. M. Wells, S. Mahajan, Micro-Field-Flow-Fractionation, Tennessee Tech University Faculty Research Grant, $12,000 (March, 2002 - present)

Education

• Doctor of Engineering (DRE) - 1988, ChE, Cleveland State University

Dissertation: Formation of Silicon Monoxide and ... Growth of ... Silicon Carbide Whiskers

• Master of Science (MS) - 1983, ChE, Cleveland State University

Masters Research: Diffusion in Cobalt ZSM5 Zeolite Catalyst

• Bachelor of Science (BS) -1980, ChE, Case Western Reserve University

Contact Information

Professional License

Professional Engineer (PE), State of New York

Professional Service, Outreach and Service to the University

Professional Service

Current and Past Offices Held

• Chair-elect, American Ceramic Society, Cements Division (2004)
• Chairman ACI Committee 231 - Properties of Concrete at Early Age (2001-2005)
• Appointed to ACI Educational Activities Committee (EAC) (1, 2003 to 12/2006)
• Past Chairman ACI Committee E804 - Walter P. Moore Jr. Faculty Achievement Award (2002-2004)
• Past Chairman ACI Committee E802 - Teaching Methods and Educational Materials (1999-2001)

Select Activities

• Program Chair, American Cermaic Society Cement Division, 2007
• Program Chair, American Electrophersis Society, 2007
• Organizing Committee Member, Concrete: Material Science to Application – A Tribute to Surendra P. Shah, ACI 2002 Spring Convention
• Program Chair, American Ceramic Society Cements Division, 1999
• Organizer, India-US Workshop on High Performance Cement-based Concrete Composites, 2005

Outreach

• Web tools for research and education a website dedicated to the dissemination of various interactive applets for learning about cement hydration kinetics and modeling, computer aided molecular design and quantitative structure property relationships, and for remote access to the TTU x-ray diffraction laboratory
• Controlling the Properties and Performance of Concrete Using Computer Aided Molecular Design (Application and Announcement) – A ten week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
• Engineering Development Friends (EDF) Visualization Laboratory (an integrated instructional technology/electron microscopy laboratory)
• Multi-Scale Characterization of Cement-Based Materials (A 10 week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by Tennessee Tech University, the University of Michigan, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Science Foundation).
• Math and Science Partnership 2005 (A two week Institute for middle and high school teachers, June 6-17, 2005)
• Math and Science Partnership 2007 (A two week Institute for middle and high school teachers, June 4-15, 2007)
• Math and Science Partnership 2009 (A one week Institute for middle and high school teachers, July 13-17, 2009)
• Microanalysis In Science and Engineering (A Workshop for middle and high school teachers, June 16-20, 2003, funded by the NSF, Registration)
• Microanalysis in Science and Engineering In-service for High School Science Teachers (October, 2002)
• All About Advanced Materials – A two-week short course for minority students (July 2001) funded by the TTU PRIME project)
• K-12 Teacher Enhancement Workshop (Completed April 23, 1998)

Service to the University

• Interim Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering (May 2002 to December 31, 2002)
• Faculty Advisor - Sigma Phi Epsilon (1997 to present)
• Past VP and President of Tennessee Tech University Sigma Xi (2001 and 2002 respectively)

Professional Society Memberships

• American Ceramic Society
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• American Concrete Institute
• American Society for Engineering Education
• Tennessee Academy of Sciences
• Sigma Xi 

Awards and Honors

·         2012 Leighton E. Sissom Innovation and Creativity Award

·         University Distinguished Faculty Fellow (2011-2013)

·         2009 Caplenor Faculty Research Award, for outstanding research scholarship

·         2008 TTU Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award

·         2007 American Concrete Institute (ACI), Fellow

·         2007 ACerS (American Ceramic Society) Profiles in Excellence

·         2006 QEP Award for Innovative Instruction, for integration of laboratory and lecture

·         2007 TTU College of Engineering Brown-Henderson Award, for outstanding Engineering faculty

·         2006 ASEE Corcoran Award, best paper, J. J. Biernacki, A Course-level Strategy for Continuous Improvement, Chem. Eng. Ed., 39(3) 186-193 (2005)

·         2006 ASEE, Southeast Section, Thomas C. Evans Award, best paper, J. J. Biernacki, A Course-level Strategy for Continuous Improvement, Chem. Eng. Ed., 39(3) 186-193 (2005)

·         Annals of Research in Engineering Education, Winter 2006, Vol. 2, No. 1 - J. J. Biernacki, A Course-level Strategy for Continuous Improvement, Chem. Eng. Ed., 39(3) 186-193 (2005)

·         2005 College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board Award for Excellence (the nomination cited Biernacki’s many contributions to ACI and to the multi-disciplinary research of concrete materials)

·         2003 Outstanding Faculty Award for Professional Service (the nomination cited Biernacki’s involvement and dedication to both ACI and the ACerS Cements Division)

·         2002 Leighton E. Sissom Innovation and Creativity Award

·         2002 Kinslow Engineering Research Award, best paper, (J. J. Biernacki, P. Stutzman and P. J. Williams, Kinetics of the Reaction Between Fly Ash and Calcium Hydroxide, ACI Mat. J., 98(4), 340-349 (2001))

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