Paul V. Braun

Paul V. Braun is a Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois. He also holds appointments in Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. His research focuses on materials chemistry, energy storage, polymers, self-assembly, and photonics. Braun earned his B.S. from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Illinois.

He leads the Braun Group, pioneering advanced materials with nano/mesoscale architectures for applications in batteries, optics, and self-healing systems. His work has produced over 350 publications, multiple patents, and founded four companies. Notable awards include Fellowships from AAAS and the National Academy of Inventors, the Grainger Award for Translational Research, and the MRS Fellowship.

Braun’s research integrates synthesis, characterization, and application of functional materials. Recent projects include solid-state battery innovation, low-thermal-conductivity polymers, and 3D optical devices via direct laser writing. He directs the Materials Research Laboratory and has served on advisory boards for the U.S. Army and DARPA.

• Education: B.S., Cornell University; Ph.D., University of Illinois (Materials Science & Engineering)
• Affiliations: Beckman Institute (Part-Time), Grainger College of Engineering
• Funding: NSF, DOE, DOD, and industry partnerships
• Lab Focus: Electrochemical energy storage, polymer science, advanced optics, self-healing materials