Jay Whitacre

Jay Whitacre is the Trustee Professor of Energy at Carnegie Mellon University, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy. His research focuses on advanced energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and photovoltaics, with a dual emphasis on materials innovation and policy implications of renewable energy adoption. Whitacre earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Michigan (1999), following a Master of Science (1997) and a BA in Physics from Oberlin College (1994).

He leads Stratus Materials, a startup developing cobalt-free lithium-ion cathode materials for EVs, achieving milestones in cycling durability. His affiliations include the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and the Center for Climate and Energy Decision Making. Whitacre has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the 2015 Lemelson-MIT Prize for Innovation and Fortune’s 2014 Top 25 Eco-Innovators list. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in sustainable energy production, grid infrastructure, and decarbonization strategies.

Whitacre’s recent advancements include demonstrating LXM cathode materials capable of over 1,000 cycles with minimal voltage decay, positioning Stratus Materials as a leader in commercializing LMR-class cathodes. His research also explores high-throughput materials selection and laser modification techniques for solid-state devices. Media engagements include discussions on EV battery innovations with Newsweek and NPR’s Midwest Moxie, emphasizing practical applications of his research.