Fernando A. Escobedo

Fernando A. Escobedo is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering, holding the Marjorie Hart Chair of Engineering since joining the faculty in 1998. His research pioneers computational methodologies for understanding entropy-driven self-assembly in complex soft matter systems, with applications spanning solar cells, battery electrodes, and advanced membranes.

His educational background includes:

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Universidad de San Agustin, Peru (1986)
• M.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1993)
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1997)

Professor Escobedo's work centers on molecular-level simulations of thermodynamic and kinetic properties, with particular emphasis on entropy's role in forming intermediate-ordered phases like liquid crystals and block copolymer mesophases. His group develops novel computational frameworks to establish structure-property relationships for nanoscale building blocks, enabling rational design of materials with tailored mechanical, optical, and transport properties. This research bridges statistical mechanics with practical engineering challenges in nanomaterials synthesis.

Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) machine learning integration for multiscale materials design, (2) entropy-controlled phase behavior in non-additive colloidal mixtures, and (3) molecular engineering of liquid crystalline oligomers for enhanced ion transport. Key advancements include heuristic rules for nanoparticle superlattice stability and diffusionless transition mechanisms in faceted colloids.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow, American Physical Society (2014)
• AIChE Computational Molecular Science & Engineering Impact Award (2012)
• Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship (2004)
• NSF CAREER Award (2001)
• Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation New Faculty Award (1999)
• College of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award (2003)

Professor Escobedo has secured sustained funding through competitive grants including the NSF CAREER award and Sloan Fellowship, supporting his computational research group's high-impact publications in top journals. His mentorship focuses on training graduate students in advanced simulation techniques, with research outputs frequently appearing in Journal of Physical Chemistry and Macromolecules. While no dedicated lab name is specified, his work operates at the intersection of Cornell's Chemical Engineering department and nanomaterials research initiatives, emphasizing collaborative approaches to entropy-driven assembly problems.