N. Aaron Deskins

N. Aaron Deskins is a Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He also serves as the Associate Director of New Faculty Programs at the Morgan Teaching & Learning Center and Director of the Prague Project Center. His research focuses on molecular modeling, clean energy, photocatalysis, and environmental solutions using computational methods. He holds BS degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah (2001) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University (2006).

Deskins' research interests include energy production, pollution control, nanomaterials, catalysis, and computational chemistry. His work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water), and SDG 7 (Affordable Energy). Notable projects include CO2 reduction via single-atom catalysts and MXene material design using machine learning.

He has received grants such as the NSF-funded CEDAR project (2020) and the President's Research Catalyst Grant (2024). His contributions extend to education, including co-teaching courses like 'Success for Introverts' to support introverted students. Deskins leads the Deskins Research Group and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects at WPI's project centers.