Christina Birkel

Christina Birkel is an Associate Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU). She joined ASU in 2019 after serving as an Athene Young Investigator (junior research group leader) at Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany (2013–2018). Her research focuses on developing functional materials for energy applications, particularly through non-conventional synthesis techniques for MAX phases, MXenes, and related layered materials.

Education:

• Habilitation in Chemistry (2018), TU Darmstadt
• Ph.D. (summa cum laude, 2010), University of Mainz and Seoul National University
• Diploma in Chemistry (2007), University of Mainz

Research Interests: Birkel’s lab explores rational syntheses and structure-property relationships for energy materials, including thermoelectrics, magnetic materials, and MXenes. Key themes include:

• Layered solids (MAX/MXene phases)
• Non-conventional synthesis (microwave, sol-gel)
• Magnetic/electrical properties of inorganic solids
• Catalytic and electrochemical applications

Awards:

• NSF CAREER Award (2022)
• MAINZ Award for Ph.D. Thesis (2011)
• Feodor Lynen Fellowship (2011–2013)

Teaching & Service: Teaches courses in inorganic chemistry and directs the Birkel Lab at ASU’s Biodesign C Building. Active in editorial roles (e.g., Data in Brief), conference organization, and materials science policy initiatives.

Labs/Teams: The Birkel Group emphasizes interdisciplinary work between inorganic chemistry and materials science, with projects spanning synthesis, characterization, and applications of 2D and 3D functional materials.