New R&D site, new scientists for HTI

Forward-osmosis membrane manufacturer Hydration Technology Innovations, LLC (HTI) has opened a new membrane research and development (R&D) facility in Corvallis, Oregon, USA, and hired two accomplished PhD scientists.

Dr Isaac V Farr is the new director of R&D for HTI. He has a diverse R&D background and a broad range of experience in applying chemical and engineering solutions to product development and system design challenges.

Previously, as a materials and technology development scientist in Hewlett Packard’s New Business Creation Group, he lead several cutting-edge research projects ranging from nanocomposite systems for life science and 3D printing applications to fluid formulation design of inks and light-curable adhesives. Prior to HP, Farr designed and characterized new membrane materials for gas separation applications in conjunction with Air Liquide during his graduate work at Virginia Tech.

He received his PhD in polymer chemistry from Virginia Tech in 1999 and a BS in chemistry from Oregon State University in 1995. He has authored over 45 publications and holds 36 US patent filings.

Dr Tilak Gullinkala, new senior polymer chemist at HTI, brings strong industry knowledge of membrane chemistry. He co-invented an anti-biofouling spacer technology for reverse-osmosis applications and has published journal articles and book chapters on fouling control in membrane desalination and designed fouling control surface modifications for cellulose acetate membranes.

Dr Gullinkala worked as a research assistant evaluating polyethylene glycol grafting for increased membrane performance at the University of Toledo in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering. He also was a process engineer at Nagarjuna Agrichem Ltd in India. Dr Gullinkala received his PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2010 from the University of Toledo and a BS in Chemical Engineering in 2003 from Andhra University, in Visakhapatnam, India.

HTI’s chief executive officer, Walter Schultz stated, “We are extremely pleased to have Isaac and Tilak join our team of forward thinking scientists. With the opening of our new membrane research & development center, and a growing development team, HTI will continue its pioneering work and leadership in forward-osmosis science and application of that technology to environmental challenges.”