Robert Wexler

Robert Wexler is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania (2019) and B.S. at Drexel University (2013), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University (2019–2022). His research focuses on theoretical materials innovation for renewable energy and environmental applications, leveraging computational methods like first-principles calculations, Monte Carlo simulations, and machine learning. Key areas include catalyst design, solar thermochemical hydrogen production, and nanomaterials synthesis.

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania (2019)
• B.S., Chemistry, Drexel University (2013)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Princeton University (2019–2022)

Research Interests:

• Developing computational frameworks to model interfacial phenomena in electrocatalysis and solar energy systems
• Optimizing materials for sustainable energy applications, including hydrogen production and carbon dioxide utilization
• Exploring statistical mechanics and nanotechnology to advance energy materials

Awards:

• $1.25M DOE grant (2023) for solar thermochemical hydrogen research
• Award for Excellence in Chemistry Graduate Research (UPenn, 2017)
• Teaching Assistant Award (UPenn, 2015)

Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects with Robert Lunde (Statistics & Data Science, WashU) to address statistical uncertainties in materials modeling. His work has led to breakthroughs in perovskite-based materials for clean energy systems, with experimental validations through partnerships with national labs and universities.