Lee Penn

Lee Penn is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, holding multiple prestigious titles including Distinguished University Teaching Professor, Merck Professor of Chemistry, and College of Science & Engineering Distinguished Professor. They are also a Resident Fellow at the Institute on the Environment and a Mental Health Advocate.

Their research focuses on

• Experimental Physical Chemistry
• Nanoscience & Materials Chemistry
• Environmental & Green Chemistry

with an emphasis on nanoparticle reactivity, microplastics, and sustainable materials synthesis.

Recent publications highlight work in nonclassical crystal growth mechanisms and nanostructure characterization using advanced techniques like cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Their research bridges lab-scale experiments with field studies to assess nanoparticle behavior in environmental systems.

Scientific awards include

• Distinguished University Teaching Professor
• Merck Professor of Chemistry
• College of Science & Engineering Distinguished Professor
• Institute on the Environment Resident Fellow

Professor Penn advises graduate and undergraduate students, with alumni pursuing diverse careers in academia, industry, and education. Their group employs state-of-the-art methods like in situ TEM to study solid-state changes during chemical reactions.