Howard Fairbrother is a Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He leads an active research group at the intersection of environmental chemistry, surface science, and materials chemistry, focusing on nanostructures, nanomaterials, and sustainable technologies. Education: B.A. in Chemistry, Oxford University, 1989 Ph.D. in Chemistry, Northwestern University, 1994 Postdoctoral Research, University of California, Berkeley, 1994–1997 His research spans environmental implications of nanomaterials, electron/ion-induced deposition processes, and sustainable applications such as nutrient delivery systems and microplastic analysis. He employs advanced techniques including XPS, AFM, TEM, SEM, and mass spectrometry. His work is highly collaborative, involving the NSF-funded Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology (CSN), EPA, NIST, and multiple academic institutions. Recent publications (2021–2025) reveal a strong focus on environmental nanotechnology, including micro/nanoplastics, carbon dots, biodegradable nanocomposites, and gas separation membranes. The research integrates materials synthesis, surface characterization, and environmental fate studies, with applications in sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, and semiconductor technology. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Chemical Society (2011) National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2000) Outstanding Graduate Thesis Award, Northwestern University (1994) Professor Fairbrother advises several graduate students and maintains the JHU Surface Analysis Facility. He has served as Senior Editor for the Journal of Physical Chemistry and held leadership roles in the American Chemical Society’s Colloids and Surface Chemistry Division. His group actively engages in interdisciplinary research, mentoring, and innovation in both environmental and materials sciences. His lab collaborates with researchers across JHU, including the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, and external partners such as Mirexus Biotechnologies, the University of Florida, and the University of Maryland. The Fairbrother group emphasizes sustainability, precision materials design, and real-world environmental impact.








