Kelsey Sakimoto

Kelsey Sakimoto is a Visiting Lecturer in the Chemistry Department at Wellesley College, where they teach organic and introductory chemistry labs to prepare students for careers in academia and industry. Additionally, they serve as a chemistry and engineering instructor at Bunker Hill Community College, expanding access to STEM education.

• B.S., Yale University
• Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley

Research focuses on applying chemistry to environmental, agricultural, and sustainability challenges through organometallic catalysis, particularly targeting biodegradation of plastics, oils, and waxes. Their work bridges materials science and chemical engineering to address real-world problems.

Kelsey integrates practical skills into their teaching, emphasizing modern chemistry through innovative experiments and educational games. They also share expertise in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and technoeconomics gained from industrial research roles.