Lucas Ellis

Dr. Lucas Ellis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado (2018), an MS in Engineering Sciences from Dartmouth College (2011), and a BS in Chemical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University (2007). His research focuses on designing novel catalysts and sorbents for environmental sustainability, particularly in circular economy applications. Experimental tools include reactor studies, spectroscopy, and collaborations with theoretical and surface science groups.

Key research areas include heterogeneous catalysis for plastic depolymerization, waste valorization, and sustainable energy. He leads the Ellis Lab, which emphasizes hands-on education through undergraduate and graduate training, including projects funded by grants such as the ACS Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator Grant (2023). Dr. Ellis is actively engaged in STEM outreach, organizing activities for high school students and mentoring over a dozen advisees.

Scientific achievements include a 2023 ACS grant, co-authorship of a Science paper (2022), and contributions to plastic upcycling technologies. His lab has produced multiple student awards, including Barry Goldwater Scholarships and Kokes Travel Awards. The Ellis Lab also develops educational tools like the 'Catalysis Toys' initiative to enhance science communication.