Yuriy Roman

Yuriy Roman is the Robert T. Haslam (1911) Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, leading research in heterogeneous catalysis and sustainable energy. He focuses on designing catalysts for renewable fuels and chemicals from biomass and plastic waste. His work emphasizes reducing environmental impact through efficient chemical processes.

Education:

• B.S.E., Chemical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania (2002)
• Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008)
• Postdoc, California Institute of Technology (2008–2010)

Research Interests:

• Lignin valorization for fuels
• Catalyst design for biomass conversion
• Plastic waste upcycling
• Electric field promotion of catalysis
• Green chemistry and sustainability

Awards:

• Paul H. Emmett Award in Fundamental Catalysis (2024)
• International Catalysis Award (2024)
• NSF CAREER Award (2015)
• ACS Early Career in Catalysis Award (2019)

Lab Focus: The Román Lab develops novel catalysts and processes for converting biomass and plastics into valuable chemicals and fuels. Key projects include lignin deoxygenation, core-shell nanoparticle catalysis, and electrochemical promotion of reactions.