Joe Elias joined the faculty of Simmons in 2022. Previously, he was an instructor of chemistry at Lasell University and a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard University, where he studied electrochemical conversions for sustainable practices with Professor Daniel G. Nocera. He earned a PhD in inorganic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2016, and a BA in chemistry from Reed College in 2009. When he is not in the lab or teaching, he enjoys baking bread, cooking, and going on adventures with his poodle, Millie. He is originally from Philadelphia and lives in Somerville, Massachusetts.
His research interests lie at the intersection of inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, and materials science. Using nature as inspiration, he is interested in developing novel inorganic materials for their application as catalysts for electrochemical reactions related to sustainability and clean energy. No other technique gives the experimental chemist more control over the chemical potentials of species in solution than electrochemistry, and hence electrochemical methods are poised to deliver solutions to some of society’s greatest challenges. The most notable of these challenges is addressing the environmental and ecological consequences of the rapid human population growth brought on by industrialization.
Three major branches of his research agenda include electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, biosensors for “forever chemicals,” and electrochemical denitrification. In the context of these projects, he hopes students will expand their chemical toolkit to include learning new nanoparticle synthesis methods, gain proficiency in advanced solid-state chemistry characterization techniques, and broadening their knowledge of electrochemistry as a powerful analytical tool.
Courses
- CHEM 113 — General & Quantitative Chemistry I
- CHEM 248 — Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
- PHYS 210 — Imaging of Materials
- CHEM/PHYS 150/250 — Research Experience
Research/Special Projects
- Research Website: eNanoLab.com
Publications/Presentations
Joe Elias in the News
Congratulations to the 2024 SURPASs Scholars
Twelve undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs), a highly competitive, fully funded research and mentorship program. During this six week intensive, students will work with a faculty mentor to execute an independent research project of their own design and development.
Shout-outs from Students and Alums
Chemistry/Physics Student Accepted into Research Experience at UPenn
Annabelle Hannah ’25, a double-major in Chemistry and Physics, was accepted into the 2024 summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). The 10-week program is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).