Chris Bartel

Chris Bartel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering. He leads the Design of Materials on Computers (DMC) Lab, focusing on computational approaches to materials discovery for sustainable energy applications.

His research spans computational materials science, quantum chemistry, and machine learning, with specific interest in solid-state materials for batteries, photovoltaics, catalysts, and ceramics. Bartel's group integrates electronic structure theory, thermodynamics, and data science to develop predictive models for material properties and degradation mechanisms.

Analysis of his recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on generative materials discovery, solid-state reaction mechanisms, battery materials design, and the application of machine learning to materials science problems. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature, Science Advances, and ACS Energy Letters, often in collaboration with leading researchers like Gerbrand Ceder.

Prof. Bartel actively mentors a diverse research group including postdoctoral researchers and undergraduate students. His lab philosophy emphasizes teamwork and mentorship, with a specific commitment to enabling careers in science and engineering for those from historically excluded backgrounds. The DMC Lab's mission centers on two goals: making a difference in mitigating climate change effects and multiplying impact by helping all group members realize their potential.

The Design of Materials on Computers Lab represents a vibrant research environment at the forefront of computational materials discovery, combining theoretical approaches with practical applications to address critical energy challenges.