Oliver Murphy, Ph.D

Career Summary

Dr. Murphy received his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry from the National University of Ireland. He was a Research Associate at Texas A&M University (1980-84), a Project Leader at Standard Oil Company of Ohio, SOHIO (1984-87), and Assistant Director of the Center for Electrochemical Systems and Hydrogen Research at the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (1987-89). In 1987, he co-founded Lynntech, Inc., a company focused on developing and commercializing emerging technologies in the environmental, alternative energy, materials, and biomedical fields. From 1987 through 2012, he held the executive positions of Vice President R&D, President, General Manager, and Chief Technology Officer within Lynntech, Inc., or its affiliated entities.

Beginning in 1997, Dr. Murphy led the successful spin-out and licensing of several technologies developed and patented within Lynntech, Inc. In recognition of his entrepreneurial achievements, he was selected as the 2006 Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Technology Category for Houston and the Gulf Coast Region. From 2008-2014, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Regional Center of Innovation and Commercialization located in the Houston Technology Center. In 2007, Dr. Murphy sold his ownership position in Lynntech to a local acquisition group and separated from the company in 2012. Since 2012, he has provided consulting services to various technology-based companies and from 2017 has served as the Technical Director at Neutrex, Inc.

Dr. Murphy has acquired more than 35 years of practical experience and know-how in: fundamental and applied research; the invention and innovation processes; and, in technology development and commercialization. He has published over 45 peer-reviewed technical papers in scientific journals, has made over 60 presentations at international scientific conferences, and is a co-inventor on 79 issued U.S. patents. Dr. Murphy is the co-editor of two technical reference books and is the recipient of six National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Certificates of Recognition for the Development of Technology Innovations. He was an invited member of: the National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored scientific delegation to Pakistan in 1986 to consult with Pakistan government agencies having responsibility for planning in the area of renewable energy; the Japanese External Trade Organization’s (JETRO’s)-sponsored technology exchange delegation from Texas to Shimane Prefecture in 2005; and, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPAs) Environmental Technologies Subcommittee of the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (2004-06).