Megan E. Fieser

Megan E. Fieser is a Gabilan Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southern California (USC), based in the Department of Chemistry within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine (2015), and a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis (2010). Her research focuses on designing molecular catalysts for sustainable polymer transformations, specifically targeting the synthesis of degradable polymers and the depolymerization of non-degradable plastics to create valuable chemicals.

Her group, the Fieser Lab, emphasizes environmental sustainability through catalytic strategies for plastic recycling and upcycling. They have pioneered methods using silylium ions, lanthanide salts, and ionic liquids to control polymerization and depolymerization processes. Beyond research, the lab engages in community outreach, including annual beach cleanups that have collected over 243,526 items since 2019.

Dr. Fieser’s work has earned recognition, including the 2023 Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator Award. Her publications span topics like PVC dechlorination, copolymer design, and rare-earth metal catalysis. She maintains an active lab website detailing ongoing projects and collaborations.