Dean R. Wheeler, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Brigham Young University, was recently awarded a Faculty Early Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation.
Considered one of the most prestigious awards for junior faculty in science and engineering, the prize consists of a $400,000 grant for research and educational activities over a five-year period.
Along with student research assistants, Wheeler will perform large-scale molecular simulations of electrocatalysis. The research will allow better understanding of molecular behavior and improved control of electrochemical reactions used in devices such as fuel cells, batteries and chemical sensors.
One of Wheeler’s educational activities includes partnering with other professors in the college to develop fun engineering mini-projects that secondary school teachers will use to introduce their students to engineering.
Writer: Brian Rust
