Benjamin Lear

Benjamin J. Lear is a Professor of Chemistry at Pennsylvania State University and a faculty member of the Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE). His research focuses on understanding how ligands on nanoparticles influence their electronic properties and leveraging molecular-scale photothermal effects to drive chemical transformations. Key areas of study include electron transfer mechanisms, photothermal curing of polymers, and surface chemistry controls on nanoparticle behavior.

His work bridges theoretical and experimental chemistry, employing advanced computational methods like ab initio calculations to identify nuclear coordinates for electron transfer. Recent contributions include studies on gold nanoparticle electronic properties, carbon black photothermal applications, and AI-enhanced data visualization in chemical education.

Notable achievements include a $4.5M grant for 3D-printed ceramics research (2024) and a Fulbright Fellowship in Finland (2020). His lab explores applications in materials science, catalysis, and sustainable polymer processing, with over 70 peer-reviewed publications since 2000.