Michael received his BS in chemistry and minor in physics from Georgia Tech in 2018. There, he studied theoretical chemistry with Prof. David Sherrill, prior to beginning his inorganic chemistry research with Prof. Henry La Pierre. At Caltech, Michael studies the interconversion of nitrogen and ammonia working with Prof. Jonas Peters. Ammonia (NH3) shows promise as a carbon-free fuel via conversion to inert nitrogen (N2), and Michael is developing Earth-abundant iron catalysts for this process. Utilizing NH3 as fuel will likely grow in importance as its sustainable, solar production becomes a reality. To this end, Michael is also studying the generation of NH3 from N2 via electrochemical techniques. In addition to its potential as a carbon-free fuel, NH3 is a key chemical feedstock essential for global health due to its role in fertilizer. Developing techniques and knowledge related to the interconversion of N2 and NH3 will promote a nitrogen economy, with the aims of sustainable agriculture and energy.
Michael is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Chemistry at University of Pennsylvania.
RSI Research: Enhanced Electrocatalytic Ammonia Oxidation via Directed Catalyst Modification
