James D. Blakemore

James D. Blakemore is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas, where he has been since 2015. He holds the Keith D. Wilner Chair in Chemistry and is a Faculty Fellow in the University Honors Program. His research focuses on sustainable energy production, actinide chemistry, and molecular electrocatalysis.

Education:

• Senior Postdoctoral Scholar, California Institute of Technology (2015)
• Ph.D., Yale University (2012)
• B.S. & B.A., Wichita State University (2007)

Research Interests:
Blakemore’s work targets synthesis and characterization of molecular electrocatalysts for energy storage and chemical production, with a focus on actinides (uranium, neptunium) and f-block elements. His group explores ligand design, surface-immobilized catalysts, and redox-induced reactivity, combining synthetic, electrochemical, and spectroscopic approaches.

Scientific Awards:
While not explicitly listed, his group’s research is supported by the US Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and industry partners like Chevron Phillips Chemical. His students have received prestigious fellowships, including the KU Chaffee Fellowship, Bernstein Award, and Self Graduate Fellowship.

Advising and Grants:
Over 15 Ph.D. and M.S. students have completed degrees under his mentorship, with many securing postdoctoral or faculty positions. His lab actively collaborates with institutions such as Argonne National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory.