Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, 2015
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Toledo, 2010
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer Chemical, California, #6872
  • Professional Engineer Chemical, Hawaii, #PE-21406-0
  • Professional Engineer Chemical, Oregon, #101576PE
  • Professional Engineer Chemical, Texas, #133642
  • Professional Engineer Chemical, Washington, #22030226
Professional Affiliations
  • American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
  • American Chemical Society (ACS)
  • Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
  • Product Stewardship Society
  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Dr. Andrew Worthen specializes in the use of scientific and engineering principles to understand the performance of products and the processes by which they are made. He leads investigations that include failure analysis and root cause determination, risk assessment, research and development, and intellectual property evaluation.  

Dr. Worthen helps clients solve complex problems related to material systems by utilizing fundamentals of chemical engineering, materials characterization, colloid and surface science, and polymer physics.  For example, he often leads complex failure investigations involving scientific evaluation of material properties, product formulations, installation practices, end use conditions, and degradation mechanisms.  Many of his investigations are related to alleged construction defects or product defects. He also regularly assists clients with new product development and qualification testing programs. He has evaluated building materials, plumbing components, plastic pipe and tubing (e.g., HDPE, PEX, polypropylene, and CPVC), rubber hoses and fittings, paints and coatings, adhesives, textiles, medical devices, consumer electronics, communications systems, foods, cosmetics, and personal care products. 

Dr. Worthen also regularly assists clients to meet their product stewardship objectives in complex regulatory settings. He has led scientific assessments at product lifecycle stages ranging from product development to maturity, and he often assists clients who aim to launch new products or who have new concerns regarding existing products due to new regulations or market conditions. 

Dr. Worthen's academic background and areas of focus include dispersions and colloidal systems. In these areas, he consults on topics such as formulation design, component compatibility, and product stability. Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Worthen conducted his doctoral research in chemical engineering focused on formulating complex fluid mixtures containing polymers, surfactants, and nanomaterials. During his research, he developed customized methods to examine the impact of molecular-scale interactions on the bulk properties of dispersions, emulsions, and foams. These formulations were developed for use in the energy and environmental industries for applications such as enhanced oil recovery, hydraulic fracturing, and oil spill cleanup.