Samson A. Jenekhe

Samson A. Jenekhe is a Professor of Chemistry and holder of the Frank and Julie Jungers Chair of Engineering at the University of Washington. His research focuses on organic electronics, optoelectronics, and semiconducting polymers, with particular emphasis on organic photovoltaics and conjugated polymer design.

Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota (1985).

Research interests include the synthesis and characterization of novel conjugated polymers, understanding charge transport mechanisms in organic semiconductors, and developing materials for high-efficiency solar cells. His work bridges fundamental polymer science with applied technologies like printed electronics and energy materials.

Publications highlight advancements in n-type and p-type semiconducting polymers, including studies on electronic structure, morphological control, and device performance. Recent trends emphasize ladder-type polymers, side-chain engineering, and the interplay between molecular architecture and optoelectronic properties.

• Award: Polymer Physics Prize (2021).

Advising and grants: Actively mentoring students and pursuing collaborative projects in clean energy materials. Current efforts include scaling up polymer production for industrial applications.

Labs/Teams: Leads research groups focused on molecular systems design and engineering, with contributions to the field of organic nonvolatile memory devices and thermoelectric materials.