Meet Damien

  • BIO

    My journey to where I am today is different than most. I am a first-generation high school graduate that received
    a PhD. During my post-graduate education, I transitioned from chemical engineering to chemistry, then went to
    industry before coming back to academia and reinvented myself as a chemical engineer. We (my wife and I)
    started my pre-tenured position with 2 young children (and finished it with 3). This a-typical career path has not
    always been easy, but I have surmounted the challenges I’ve faced with the steadfast support of my family and
    mentors. Today I want to return the favor. I seek to mentor and support the next generation of students and
    scientists.

  • VISION

    After a short stay in industry, I came back to academia to educate, mentor, and do science with students.
    I wanted my research group to be dynamic, curious, innovative and hard working. I wanted my students to learn
    from me, I wanted to learn with them, and I wanted to learn from them. The diversity in training, education,
    interest, and culture that all my students have brought to my group has enabled our continuous education which
    is at the core of personal and professional success. Today we thrive to continue fostering an inclusive and diverse
    research group where our differences in culture, nationality and background are our strengths. If you also believe
    that diversity, inclusion and equity are a fundamental strength to doing science, come join us!
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