Travis J. Williams

Travis J. Williams is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute and the Organic Chemistry Wing in Stabler Hall. He holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University (2005) and a B.S. from the California Institute of Technology (1998). His research focuses on organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable materials, with applications in energy, environmental science, and materials engineering. Key projects include developing catalysts for hydrogen storage (e.g., formic acid dehydrogenation), recycling carbon fiber composites, and biocatalytic upcycling of plastics using engineered fungi.

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemistry, Stanford University, 2005
• B.S., Chemistry, California Institute of Technology, 1998

Research Interests:

His work spans organometallic catalysis for synthetic fuels, hydride transfer mechanisms, and the design of systems for waste polymer valorization. Notable achievements include pioneering methods to reclaim value from epoxy composites and polystyrene via fungal metabolism, as well as advancing ammonia borane dehydrogenation for hydrogen storage. Collaborations with engineering teams (e.g., Steven R. Nutt) have driven innovations in composite recycling, achieving carbon fiber recovery with minimal energy input.

Articles Overview:

His recent publications emphasize sustainable chemistry, including ethanol as a hydrogen carrier, electrochemical recycling of carbon fibers, and biocatalytic conversion of polyethylene into pharmaceuticals. These studies highlight his interdisciplinary approach to addressing global challenges in materials and energy.

Labs & Teams:

Dr. Williams leads the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute group, collaborating with postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates. His lab focuses on translating fundamental chemistry into scalable solutions for composite recycling, hydrogen storage, and plastic upcycling.