Paul J.A. Kenis

Paul J.A. Kenis is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he leads the Kenis Research Group in the College of Engineering. His work spans multiple interdisciplinary areas at the intersection of chemical engineering, electrochemistry, and microfluidics.

Dr. Kenis received his M.Sc. from the University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands (1993), his Ph.D. from the University of Twente (1997), and completed postdoctoral work at Harvard University (1997-2000). His research focuses on microchemical systems including microreactors, microfuel cells, and microfluidic tools for applications in energy conversion, chemical synthesis, and biological studies.

His research interests encompass electrochemical systems for CO₂ conversion and fuel cells, microfluidic platforms for protein and pharmaceutical crystallization, microfluidic systems for studying cellular processes, and microreactors for chemical synthesis. His group has developed innovative approaches including membraneless microfluidic fuel cells, electrochemical regeneration of cofactors, ceramic microreactors for hydrogen production, and evaporation-based platforms for protein crystallization.

His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on electrochemical manufacturing, autonomous materials synthesis, and CO₂ conversion technologies, with significant contributions to understanding reaction engineering at microscales and developing practical applications for sustainable chemical production.

• Fellow, Electrochemical Society (2019)
• University Scholar, University of Illinois (2011)
• Beckman Fellow, Center for Advanced Study (2007-2008)
• Helen Corley Petit Scholar (2007-2008)
• CAREER Award, National Science Foundation (2006)
• Xerox Award for Faculty Research (2006)
• Excellence in Teaching Award (2006)

Dr. Kenis has received consistent recognition for his advising and teaching excellence, including multiple Excellence in Advising Awards from the College of Engineering. His research group continues to grow, with numerous graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates working on cutting-edge projects in electrochemical manufacturing and nanomaterial discovery. The group maintains strong connections with industry partners and collaborates with other research groups across disciplines to advance microchemical systems technology.