Phillip Christopher

Phillip Christopher is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and the Mellichamp Endowed Chair of Sustainable Manufacturing at the University of California, Santa Barbara within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on developing catalytic processes for sustainable manufacturing and energy conversion through molecular-level engineering of catalysts.

Education:

• BS in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara (2006)
• MS in Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan (2008)
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan (2011)

Dr. Christopher's research integrates chemical engineering, materials science, and quantum chemistry to design catalysts for environmental and energy applications. His group specializes in heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, and single-atom alloy systems, with current projects targeting solar energy conversion, plastic upcycling, and emission control technologies. The work combines computational modeling with advanced experimental characterization to establish structure-activity relationships.

Scientific Awards:

• Paul H. Emmett Award in Fundamental Catalysis (2025)
• Guiseppe Parravano Award for Excellence in Catalysis (2024)
• ACS Ipatieff Prize (2022)
• AIChE Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division Young Investigator Award (2020)
• ACS CATL Division Early Career in Catalysis Award (2020)
• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2019)
• NSF CAREER Award (2016)
• ARO Young Investigator Award (2014)

Dr. Christopher has mentored 27 graduate students including current PhD candidates and alumni now faculty at institutions like UT Austin and Virginia Tech, plus industry leaders at companies including Johnson Matthey and Intel. His research is funded by major grants from NSF, DOE, and federal agencies including the $500,000 NSF CAREER award and PECASE funding supporting his sustainable catalysis initiatives.

He leads the Christopher Research Group at UCSB with 9 graduate students, 5 postdocs, and multiple undergraduates working across three thematic areas: photocatalysis for solar fuels, single-atom alloys for selective reactions, and membrane-integrated catalytic systems for water treatment.