Grace Han

Grace Han is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Brandeis University, specializing in materials chemistry and organic chemistry. She earned her PhD in Chemistry at MIT under Timothy Swager, focusing on organic chromophores for photovoltaics, followed by a postdoc with Jeffrey Grossman in Materials Science & Engineering, investigating nanomaterials and optical properties. Her research group explores molecular solar thermal energy storage, optically-controlled material recycling, and light-driven phase transitions, merging synthetic chemistry with advanced characterization techniques. Key achievements include developing photo-switchable materials for energy storage and recyclable catalysis, recognized through prestigious awards like the Sloan Fellowship and NSF CAREER Award.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, MIT (under Timothy Swager)
• Postdoctoral Research: MIT, Department of Materials Science & Engineering (with Jeffrey Grossman)

Research focuses on stimuli-responsive materials, particularly light-driven systems for energy applications. Her Han Group aims to engineer materials with phase transitions triggered by light, addressing needs in waste heat recycling and solar energy storage. Recent work emphasizes understanding molecular switching dynamics in condensed phases.

Awards include the Cram Lehn Pedersen Prize, AAAS Mason Award, and Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with applied energy solutions, supported by grants from AFOSR and NSF.