Lynden A. Archer

Lynden A. Archer is the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering and Professor in the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University. He joined Cornell in 2000 and has held key leadership roles, including Director of the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (2010–2016) and Director of the Cornell Energy Systems Institute (2017–). His academic journey includes a B.S. from the University of Southern California (1989), Ph.D. from Stanford University (1993), and postdoctoral work at AT&T Bell Laboratories.

• B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1989
• Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 1993
• Postdoctoral Scientist, AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1993–1994
• Faculty, Texas A&M University, 1994–1999
• Faculty, Cornell University, 2000–present

His research centers on structure, dynamics, and transport phenomena at liquid-solid interfaces, with applications in energy storage, polymers, and nanotechnology. Key areas include polymer-nanoparticle composites, viscoelastic electrolytes, and solid-electrolyte interphases for metal batteries. His group investigates how molecular-scale fluid motions influence macroscopic electrochemical behaviors, particularly in lithium, zinc, sodium, and aluminum battery systems.

The 15 most recent publications (2024–2025) reveal a strong trend toward interfacial engineering for stable battery operation, focusing on suppressing dendrites, designing hybrid and solid-state electrolytes, controlling electrodeposition morphology, and developing protective coatings. Themes include electroconvection, crystallographic texturing, oligomer-based interphases, and in situ-formed polymer electrolytes, reflecting a deep integration of materials science, electrochemistry, and fluid dynamics.

Scientific honors include:

• Elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2018)
• Fellow, American Physical Society (2007)
• National Science Foundation Distinguished Lecturer (2016)
• AIChE Nanoscale Science and Engineering Forum Award (2014)
• Thompson-Reuters World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds (2014, 2015)
• James & Mary Tien Excellence in Teaching Award (2008)
• Merrill Presidential Scholar (Most Influential Faculty, 2014)

Prof. Archer leads a dynamic research group focused on energy systems, complex fluids, and nanomaterials. His work is supported by major grants in battery innovation and sustainable energy. He has contributed significantly to both fundamental science and practical battery technologies, with applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and grid storage. His teaching interests include electrokinetics, fluid mechanics, polymer physics, and thermodynamics.

He directs the Cornell Energy Systems Institute, fostering interdisciplinary research in energy conversion, storage, and sustainability. His lab explores multiscale transport phenomena, with emphasis on designing materials with tailored interfacial properties for next-generation electrochemical devices.