Jay Grate

Jay Grate serves as a Lab Fellow and Chemist in the Materials Sciences division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory operated by Battelle. With over three decades of research experience, he has established himself as a leading expert in chemical sensing technologies and analytical methodologies. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications in national security, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes.

Dr. Grate received his educational foundation with a BA in Chemistry (summa cum laude) from Rollins College in 1978, followed by an MS in 1980 and PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego in 1983. His academic training provided the foundation for his subsequent groundbreaking work in analytical chemistry and materials science.

His research interests focus on the development of chemically selective materials, chemical microsensors, and analytical fluidics systems. Dr. Grate's work integrates chemical sciences, material sciences, and measurement sciences to create innovative microanalytical principles, methods, and systems. He has made significant contributions to chemical vapor sensing, biological toxin and pathogen detection, radionuclide sensing, and the application of nanostructured materials in analytical chemistry and catalysis. His research spans from basic scientific investigations to prototype detector development for real-world applications.

Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of innovation in sensor development and analytical methodologies. His work demonstrates expertise across multiple domains including polymer chemistry for sensing applications, radiochemical analysis techniques, microfluidic systems, and advanced chemometric methods for data interpretation. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects materials science with analytical chemistry, environmental science, and national security applications.

• R&D 100 Award (2004) for work in developing rationally designed polymers for chemical threat detection
• ACS Northwest Regional Industrial Innovation Award (2007)
• Battelle Distinguished Inventor recognition (2009)

Dr. Grate has authored or co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than a dozen book chapters, demonstrating significant scholarly impact. He holds 17 patents, several of which have been commercially licensed, indicating the practical value of his research. His work has been featured in prominent scientific journals and has appeared on the covers of Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Reviews, and Polymer News, reflecting the significance of his contributions to the field. His research has received coverage in major scientific news outlets including Chemical and Engineering News, Science, and Physics Today.