J. Ilja Siepmann

J. Ilja Siepmann is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Distinguished University Teaching Professor at the University of Minnesota's Department of Chemistry, with affiliations spanning Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Data Science. His research integrates molecular simulations, force field development, and machine learning to study adsorption phenomena, phase equilibria, polymer chemistry, and nanoporous materials.

Education:

• Undergraduate: University of Freiburg, Germany (1983-1987)
• Graduate: University of Cambridge, UK (PhD, 1988-1991)
• Post-doctoral: IBM Zurich Research Lab, Koninklijke/Shell Lab, and University of Pennsylvania (1991-1994)

Research interests focus on chemical theory, materials genomics, and environmental chemistry, with emphasis on energy-efficient separations, nanostructured materials, and sustainable chemical processes. Computational methods like Monte Carlo algorithms and machine learning underpin his investigations into fluid interfaces, nucleation, and catalytic systems.

Recent publications emphasize adsorption thermodynamics, molecular simulations of complex fluids, data-driven materials discovery, and polymer self-assembly. Trends include integration of machine learning with molecular modeling, nanoporous materials for clean energy, and phase behavior of refrigerants.

Awards:

• Distinguished McKnight University Professor
• Distinguished University Teaching Professor

Advises graduate and undergraduate researchers in computational chemistry projects. Leads the Siepmann Group at Kolthoff Hall, part of the Chemical Theory Center and Nanoporous Materials Genome Center. Research funded through MURI and industry partnerships.