Alan Sellinger

Alan Sellinger is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines. His research focuses on designing organic, polymer, and hybrid materials for applications in thin film solar cells, radiation detection (e.g., organic/polymer scintillators), rare earth element extraction, and 2D/3D semiconductors (e.g., MXenes, carbon nanodiamonds). His interdisciplinary work involves collaborations with institutions like NREL, Sandia, and Lawrence Livermore National Labs.

Education: BS in Chemistry (Eastern Michigan University), MS and PhD in Macromolecular Science & Engineering (University of Michigan), and postdoctoral training at Sandia National Laboratories. His research group actively explores projects funded by DOE, NNSA, and other agencies, emphasizing applications in energy, national security, and materials innovation.

Key research areas include: 1) Plastic scintillators for neutron/gamma detection via pulse shape discrimination, 2) Perovskite solar cell efficiency/stability through novel polymers, 3) Rare earth extraction using functionalized ligands, and 4) Surface chemistry of 2D materials. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering solutions.