Gyu Leem

Gyu Leem is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Houston (2008) and a B.S. from Hanyang University (2002). His research focuses on photoelectrocatalysis, chemoselective bond cleavage, and photodynamic degradation of hazardous chemicals, aiming to develop sustainable solutions for biomass conversion and environmental remediation.

Leem has held positions at the University of Texas at San Antonio (2016–2018), the University of Florida (2012–2016), and LG Chem (2009–2012). He is an editorial board member of ACS Applied Nano Materials and has received grants from NSF, USDA, and the NYS Department of Economic Development.

His research group develops hybrid polymeric-metal composites for solar energy conversion and water treatment. Notable achievements include the use of dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells for lignin valorization and photocatalytic hydrogen production. Current graduate students include Katie Gavazzi, Ramachandra Legundapati, and Seongsu Park.

• Awards: NSF CBET (2023–2026), USDA McIntire Stennis (2020–2023), Invited Brain Pool Fellowship (2022–2025).
• Grants: NYS Healthy Water Solutions (2020–2022), U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship (2022).

Leem’s lab is located at 216 Jahn Laboratory, collaborating on projects like electrochemical PFAS sensing and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of hazardous chemicals. His work bridges polymer science, catalysis, and sustainable chemistry.