Aaron Geller

Aaron Geller is an Advanced Instructor in the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech, part of the College of Science. He specializes in physical and materials chemistry with a focus on surface chemistry, electrocatalysis, and operando spectroscopic studies of solid oxide electrochemical cells. His research employs advanced techniques such as ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) to study material stability and reaction mechanisms in high-temperature environments.

Education: B.S. Chemistry (University of Maryland College Park, 2005); Ph.D. in Physical and Materials Chemistry (University of Maryland College Park, 2016).

Research Interests: Surface chemistry of perovskite materials, electrochemical reactivity of metal oxides, mechanisms of water/CO₂ electrolysis, and development of advanced characterization methods for energy materials. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in fuel cells and electrochemical systems.

Awards:

• Excellence in Teaching Award (2021)
• University of Maryland Departmental Award for Excellence in Research (2017)

Advising & Grants: Actively involved in undergraduate and graduate education within the Department of Chemistry. His research has been supported by fellowships including the GAANN Fellowship (2014–2015) and travel grants from the AVS and Chemical Society of Washington.

Labs & Teams: Conducts research in Virginia Tech’s Chemistry Department facilities, focusing on in situ and operando characterization techniques for energy materials.