Dr. Butterfield is an Associate Professor (Lecturer) in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Universityof Utah, where he has taught since 2010. His primary research focuses on the use of project-based learning for first-year engineering students, and the use of makerspaces to facilitate chemical engineering curriculum. Dr. Butterfield’s work also concentrates on K-12 outreach, inclusive teaching, and citizen scientist efforts.
Dr. Butterfield is the founding chair of AIChE's LGBTQ+ Initiative and the incoming chair of AIChE's Social Impact Operating Council. He is the current chair of ASEE's Chemical Engineering Division and has been a Safe Zone Trainer for ASEE for over six years, conducting STEM-specific LGBTQ+ trainings at many professional conferences. He is also the founding faculty advisor for the University of Utah’s oSTEM group.
For his work, Dr. Butterfield has received the 2017 Award for Innovation in Chemical Engineering Education from the AIChE; the Robert G. Quinn Award from ASEE; the GLBT Educator of the Year Award from Out to Innovate; and the Beacon of Excellence, and Distinguished Lecturer award from the University of Utah.