Graduate Student, ChemE
benkash@mit.edu
Ben grew up in Bowling Green, KY and received undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Molecular Engineering from the University of Chicago in 2022. He previously conducted research on the synthesis of biomimetic porphyrin complexes and the study of block copolymers for applications in semiconductor fabrication. For his thesis, he worked with Dr. Chibueze Amanchukwu to investigate CO2 electrocatalysis in nonaqueous electrolytes. Following graduation, he moved to Berkeley, CA to work as a catalyst materials chemist at Twelve, a company focused on commercializing CO2 conversion technology. At MIT, Ben is co-advised by Dr. Fikile Brushett and Dr. Bilge Yildiz, studying electrochemical and corrosion processes of molten salts in advanced nuclear reactors. Outside of research, Ben enjoys soccer, tennis, skiing, backpacking, and travel.