Stephen Dempsey

Stephen Dempsey serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemical Engineering at the Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), specializing in chemical recycling and upcycling technologies for waste plastics including thermosets and polyolefins.

His academic credentials include:

• Bachelor of Chemistry from Augustana College, Rock Island
• Master of Chemistry from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• PhD in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Dempsey's research integrates polymer chemistry, process engineering, and sustainability science to convert plastic waste into valuable feedstocks. His work emphasizes commercial viability through industry partnerships with Patagonia, Inc. and Procter and Gamble, targeting real-world implementation of circular economy solutions.

His 2025 publications reveal a strategic focus on overcoming technical barriers in plastic recycling, particularly for carbon fiber composites and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), using chemical and enzymatic methodologies that enhance process efficiency and scalability for industrial adoption.

Key recognition includes:

• NREL Director's Award (2023)

He has spearheaded collaborative industry projects translating sustainability research into commercial portfolios, with demonstrated success in advancing technologies toward market readiness through strategic partnerships.

Within NREL's Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, Dempsey contributes to cross-disciplinary teams advancing renewable material science and waste valorization technologies through cutting-edge experimental and process development frameworks.