Paul J. Bracher

Paul J. Bracher is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Saint Louis University (SLU), affiliated with the Department of Chemistry within the School of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on prebiotic chemistry, exploring the chemical origins of life and early Earth conditions. He earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University and completed postdoctoral work at Caltech, specializing in solar fuels and origins-of-life chemistry.

Bracher's academic training includes a B.S. from New York University and an NSF ACC Postdoctoral Fellowship at Caltech. His honors include the Nancy McNeir Ring Award (2016) and W.V. Stauder Award (2015) for undergraduate teaching excellence. He advises graduate students in organic, inorganic, and prebiotic chemistry projects, such as thioester reactions and CO₂ catalysis.

His research groups investigate prebiotic solvent systems, mineral-catalyzed CO₂ reduction, and thioester chemistry's role in early life networks. The Bracher Lab is based in Monsanto Hall and collaborates on astrobiology and sustainable energy initiatives. Current students include Thomas Campbell, Clinton Devall, Rio Febrian, and Mathew Graham.

Bracher’s outreach emphasizes science communication and education, advocating for public engagement. He teaches courses in chemistry and mentors undergraduates, prioritizing hands-on research training. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, such as solar energy conversion and functional material design.