Tim Kowalczyk

Tim Kowalczyk is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Western Washington University, affiliated with the College of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on computational strategies rooted in quantum mechanics to study organic materials combining light-absorbing and conducting properties, photostability models for dyes, and simulation frameworks for material degradation pathways. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Southern California (2007) and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from MIT (2012).

Dr. Kowalczyk has held a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship at Nagoya University (2012-2014) and is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Tokyo (Fall 2024). He has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2019), Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2023), and Cottrell Scholar Award (2018).

His research group explores covalent organic frameworks (COFs), electronic properties of materials, and predictive modeling of material stability. He actively contributes to science education through initiatives like the Energy Ambassadors program and slide decks on diverse scientist role models. His work bridges theoretical chemistry with practical applications in energy materials and environmental chemistry.

Lab and advising details include regular office hours and collaboration with students on computational chemistry projects. His contributions span software development (e.g., DFTB+ package) and interdisciplinary research in materials science, quantum mechanics, and environmental catalysis.