David DeVallance

Biography

Dr. David DeVallance is the Associate Dean of the College of Health, Science, and Technology at Commonwealth University, where he supports initiatives aimed at enhancing student success.

Before joining Commonwealth University, Dr. DeVallance held several leadership and academic roles in Slovenia, including Vice Rector for Internationalization and Associate Professor at the University of Primorska (UP), as well as Research Group Leader for Renewable Materials Composites at the InnoRenew Center of Excellence in Izola. At UP, he played a key role in shaping the university’s international research and education strategy and helped secure its membership in the Transform4Europe alliance. His leadership was recognized with a prestigious 2020–21 Association of International Education Administrators Presidential Fellowship.

At InnoRenew, Dr. DeVallance led a team of international scientists advancing research in composite materials for sustainable and healthy built environments, including work on functionalized bio-based carbon materials. He also mentored two Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellows.

Earlier in his career, Dr. DeVallance was an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in the Wood Science and Technology Program at West Virginia University. There, he led research on bio-based composite materials, which included pioneering work in the development of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and efforts to incorporate hardwood lumber into CLTs, as well as innovative research on sustainable building products, bioenergy, and bio-based carbon for advanced materials applications. He also contributed significantly to curriculum development and served as the site director for the USDA/NIFA-funded Bioenergy and Bioproducts Education program, as well as a mentor in the Consortium for Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Education. In addition to his academic career, Dr. DeVallance has over 12 years of industry experience in the development, testing and certification of structural building materials.

Awards

L.J. Markwardt Award, Forest Products Society, 2024

AIEA Presidential Fellow, Association of International Education Administrators, 2020-2021

Distinguished Service Award, Forest Products Society, 2018

George G. Marra Award of Excellence (1st Place), Society of Wood Science and Technology, 2016

Division of Forestry and Natural Resources Outstanding Teaching Award, 2012

Forest Products Society Wood Award (1st place), 2005

College of Agriculture Science Alumni Internship Award, The Pennsylvania State University, 1995

Peer-Reviewed Publications (Last Five Years)

Da Rosa Azambuja, R., D.B. DeVallance, and J. McNeel. 2024. Cross-laminated timber panels produced by low-grade yellow-poplar sorted by nondestructive evaluation. Forest Prod. J., 74(4):331-336. https://www.doi.org/10.13073/FPJ-D-24-00029.

Zouari, M., L. Marrot, and D.B. DeVallance. 2024. Functional biocarbon-based coatings for wood protection and indoor air depollution. Building and Environment, 261(2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111716.

Zouari M, S. Hribernik, L. Marrot, M. Tzolov, D.B. DeVallance. 2024. Manganese dioxide-coated biocarbon for integrated adsorption-photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde in indoor conditions. Heliyon, 10(9):e29993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29993.  

Esakkimuthu, E. S., V. Ponnuchamy, M.H. Sipponen and D. DeVallance. 2024. Elucidating intermolecular forces to improve compatibility of kraft lignin in poly (lactic acid). Frontiers in Chemistry, 12, 1347147. https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2024.1347147.

Langella, T., M. Mikulijan, L. Han, M. Zouari and D.B. DeVallance. 2024. Modification of wood via biochar particle impregnation. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-023-02032-4.

Esakkimuthu, E. S., V. Ponnuchamy, M. Mikuljan, M. Schwarzkopf and D. DeVallance. 2024. Fungal enzyme degradation of lignin-PLA composites: Insights from experiments and molecular docking simulations. Heliyon, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23838.

Zouari, M., S. Stanciu, J. Jakes, L. Marrot, E. Fiorentis, G. Stanciu, and D. B. DeVallance. 2023. Investigations on the topography and micro-mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol thin-film composites reinforced with hardwood biocarbon particles. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 27(2023): 5533-5540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.10.217.

Zouari, M., L. Marrot, and D.B. DeVallance. 2023. Evaluation of properties and formaldehyde removal efficiency of biocarbon prepared at variable pyrolytic temperatures. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11(2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1252926.

Pečnik, J. G., M. Zouari, M. Schwarzkopf, and D.B. DeVallance. 2023. Utilization of Torrefied and Non-Torrefied Short Rotation Willow in Wood–Plastic Composites. Polymers, 15(19), 3997. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193997.

Schau, E.M., I. Gavrić, I. Šušteršič, E. Prelovšek Niemelä, B. Dávid, J.G. Pečnik, D. B. DeVallance, and Č. Tavzes. 2023. Modelling the Slovenian Wood Industry’s Response to the Greenhouse Gas Paris Agreement and the EU “Fit for 55” Green Transition Plan. Sustainability, 15 (10): 8376. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108376.

Tripathi, J., T. Causer, D. E. Ciolkosz, D.B. DeVallance, A. Bialowiec, and L.J.R. Nunes. 2023. Non-energetic application of carbon-rich torrefied biomass in the bioeconomy: a review. Biofuels, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/17597269.2023.2250974.

Zouari, M., L.S.J. Marrot and D.B. DeVallance. 2023. Effect of demineralization and ball milling treatments on the properties of Arundo donax and olive stone-derived biochar. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-023-04968-9.

Da Rosa Azambuja, R., D.B. DeVallance, J. McNeel, and G. Dahle. 2023. Cross-laminated timber panels produced from low-grade yellow-poplar sorted by visual structural grade. Forest Prod. J., 73(2):104-112. https://www.doi.org/10.13073/FPJ-D-22-00074.

Quan, P., K. Alper, R. Ong, D. DeVallance, J. Xu, and X. Xie. 2023. Lignin with tunable and predictable yield and molecular properties. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c06282.

L. Marrot, M. Zouari, M. Schwarzkopf, and D.B. DeVallance. 2023. Sustainable biocarbon/tung oil coatings with hydrophobic and UV-shielding properties for outdoor wood substrates. Progress in Organic Coatings 177(2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2023.107428.

Esakkimuthu, E. S., D.B. DeVallance, I. Pylypchuk, A. Moreno, M. Sipponen. 2022. Multifunctional lignin-poly (lactic acid) biocomposites for packaging applications. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 10:(2022). https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.1025076.

Dahle, G. A., R.T., Eckenrode IV, E.T. Smiley, D. DeVallance, and I. Holásková. 2022. Can Mechanical Strain and Aspect Ratio Be Used to Determine Codominant Unions in Red Maple without Included Bark. Forests 13(7): 1007. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13071007.

Schau, E. M., Č. Tavzes, I. Gavrić, I. Šušteršič, E.P. Niemelä, B. Dávid, J.G. Pečnik, and D. B. DeVallance. 2022. Environmental and economic assessment of using wood to meet Paris Agreement greenhouse gas emission reductions in Slovenia. In E3S Web of Conferences, Vol. 349, p. 03005. EDP Sciences, https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202234903005.

Eckenrode IV, R. T., G.A. Dahle, E.T. Smiley, D. DeVallance, I. Cynk-Dahle, and M. Walker, M. 2022. Examining strain propagation in the branch unions of Quercus alba L. and Quercus montana Willd. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening (2022)73: 127591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127591.

Rahimi, S., K. Singh, D. DeVallance, D. Chu, and M. Bahmani. 2022. Drying Behavior of Hardwood Components (Sapwood, Heartwood, and Bark) of Red Oak and Yellow-Poplar. Forests 2022(13): 722. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050722.

Marrot, L, K. Meile, M. Zouari, D. DeVallance, A. Sandak, R. Herrera. 2022. Characterization of the compounds released in the gaseous waste stream during the slow pyrolysis of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Molecules 27(9): 2794. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092794.

Zouari M, D.B. DeVallance, L. Marrot. 2022. Effect of Biochar Addition on Mechanical Properties, Thermal Stability, and Water Resistance of Hemp-Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composites. Materials 15(6):2271. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15062271.

Da Rosa Azambuja, R. D.B. DeVallance, J. McNeel. 2022. Evaluation of low-grade yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) as raw material for cross-laminated timber panel production. Forest Prod. J. 72(1). https://doi.org/10.13073/FPJ-D-21-00050.

Quan, P., C. Long, J. Zhou, X. He, Y. Liu, D. DeVallance, X. Li, X. Xie. 2022. Natural wood-based metamaterials for highly efficient microwave absorption. Holzforschung, 76(4):368-379. https://doi.org/10.1515/hf-2021-0088.

Marrot, L., K. Candelier, J. Valette, C. Lanvin, B. Horvat, L. Legan, D.B. DeVallance. 2021. Valorization of hemp stalk waste through thermochemical conversion for energy and electrical applications. Waste and Biomass Valorization. 13 (2022): 2267–2285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-021-01640-6.

Nunes, L.J.R., J.C.O. Matias, L.M.E.F. Loureiro, L.C.R. Sá, H.F.C. Silva, A.M. Rodrigues, T.P. Causer, D.B. DeVallance, D.E. Ciolkosz. 2021. Evaluation of the Potential of Agricultural Waste Recovery: Energy Densification as a Factor for Residual Biomass Logistics Optimization. Appl. Sci. 11(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010020.

Beezley, K., G. Dahle, J. Miesbauer, and D. DeVallance. 2020. Strain Patterns Across the Root-Stem Transition Zone in Urban Trees. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, 46(5): 321-332. https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2020.023.

Book Chapters

Esakkimuthu, E.S., V. Ponnuchamy, T. Yumak, D. DeVallance. 2023. Lignin-Derived Carbonaceous Materials for Supercapacitor Applications. In: Grace, A.N., Sonar, P., Bhardwaj, P., Chakravorty, A. (eds) Handbook of Porous Carbon Materials. Materials Horizons: From Nature to Nanomaterials. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7188-4_4.

DeVallance, D.B., X. Xie, and J. Wang. 2020. Advancements in wood pretreatment for bioenergy and biofuel applications. Practices and Perspectives in Sustainable Bioenergy: A Systems Thinking Approach. M. Mitra and A. Nagchaudhuri (Ed.). Springer India. 207-232. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-3965-9_10.  

Qingzheng Cheng, David DeVallance, Jingxin Wang and Siqun Wang. 2011. Advanced Cellulosic Nanocomposite Materials, Advances in Composite Materials for Medicine and Nanotechnology, Brahim Attaf (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-307-235-7, InTech. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/14612.

Grant Funding (Last Five Years)

Ciolkosz, D.E., J. Vasco-Correa, and D.B. DeVallance. 2023. Partnership: The Dark Side Of Biochar: Addressing The Threat Of Organic Contaminant Residues In Biorefinery Char Products. USDA-NIFA-AFRI-009755, Program Area: Biorefining and Biomanufacturing (A1531), Award Number: 2024-67021-42489,

Whisner, J., D. DeVallance, and W. Calhoun. Improving STEM Student Success through the Integration of Learning Assistants and Co-requisite Models in First-year Courses. 2023. National Science Foundation, Award Number: 2315453, NSF 23-510 Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education Program.

Kwiecień, A.A. and D. DeVallance. 2022. Diagnostics and Mechanical tests of aged adhesive layers used in joints of wooden structures. ARRS-bilateral with Narowode Centrum Naiki (NCN) Polish Grant Program. OPUS 22 - LAP cooperation under theWeave initiative.

Hájek, P. and D. DeVallance. 2021. Possibilities of using natural fibers in the production of hybrid textile reinforcement for concrete. ARRS-bilateral with GACR (Cz) Grant Program.

Sipponen, M., J. Rizikovs, D. DeVallance, M. Borrega, A. Treu, and G. Kowaluk. 2021. Tree bark as a renewable source of wood protection materials for building applications (BARKBUILD). ERA-NET Cofund Action “ForestValue – Innovating the forest-based bioeconomy” grant program.

Koch, V….D. DeVallance. 2021. INnovative TRaining Solutions for certified wood in furniture, timber, building and foreSTry sectors. Erasmus+ KA220-VET grant program.

Dávid, B., …D. DeVallance. 2021. Economic, environmental and social aspects of wood processing and its use and carbon sequestration. Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS).

Esakkimuthu, E.S. and D. DeVallance (supervisor). 2020. Modified lignin nanoparticles for composite and bio-based/Cu packaging applications (PACK-NIN). GRANT NUMBER:  NUMBER 101031402—PACK-NIN—H2020-MSCA-IF-2020 Grant Program.

DeVallance, D., L. Marrot, M. Mikuljan, and J. G. Pečnik. 2020. Valorisation of hemp by-products for composite applications. ARRS – BI-EE/20-22-007 Grant Program, Slovenia.