Research labs at Colorado School of Mines .

Andrew Herring Research Group

ElectrochemistryPolymer electrolyte membranesRenewable energy

Andrew Herring · Professor

Andrew Herring’s research works at the boundary between materials science and chemical engineering to address renewable energy and sustainability. The group organizes its work around polymer electrolyte membranes and devices, together with electrochemical engineering. These directions connect the properties of functional materials with the behavior of energy-related systems. Collaborative research includes work with national laboratories in renewable energy and materials science. For researchers interested in electrochemistry, the program links material selection and membrane behavior with the practical challenge of designing devices for more sustainable energy technologies.

CKIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Carolyn Koh Research Group

Gas hydratesCrystallizationEnergy storage

Carolyn Koh · Professor

Water can form crystalline cages that trap gas molecules, creating both engineering hazards and possible energy-storage materials. Carolyn Koh investigates how these clathrate hydrates nucleate, grow, cluster, and break down. Her research combines spectroscopy, neutron diffraction, computer simulation, and macroscopic thermal measurements to connect molecular structures with observable behavior. Understanding inhibitors and promoters helps address hydrate blockages in oil and gas flowlines. Other applications include energy transportation and storage, linking fundamental crystallization science with the challenge of controlling complex materials under demanding operating conditions.

JMIndependently curated · Unclaimed

John McCray Research Group

PFASContaminant transportStormwater

John McCray · Professor

John McCray studies how chemicals move through water systems and how that knowledge can improve environmental management. His research combines field observations, laboratory work, and modeling to investigate groundwater pollutants, PFAS, nutrient pollution, and urban water quality. Projects include green infrastructure for stormwater treatment and sustainability assessments of watersheds in southern Peru. A recurring challenge is linking contaminant movement and transfer between phases with workable mitigation strategies. The research connects hydrology, environmental chemistry, and planning decisions that shape the quality and sustainability of water resources.

RRIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Ryan Richards Research Group

NanomaterialsCatalysisCarbon capture

Ryan Richards · University Distinguished Professor

Ryan Richards’ group builds nanostructured materials and studies how their surfaces determine useful chemical behavior. Research develops synthetic methods for controlling composition and morphology, then connects structure with properties such as catalytic activity and carbon capture. Earth-abundant materials are a particular interest for renewable energy technologies. Another direction recovers elements from electronic waste and spent catalysts, exploring how reclaimed components can become inks for printing new materials. The work connects inorganic chemistry, nanoscale characterization, and resource recovery with the design of more sustainable material systems.

THIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Tissa H. Illangasekare Research Group

Subsurface transportGroundwaterPorous media

Tissa H. Illangasekare · Research Professor

What happens to water and contaminants after they disappear underground? Tissa Illangasekare investigates flow and transport through porous and fractured materials using theory, numerical models, and experiments at multiple scales. His research includes saturated and unsaturated soils, groundwater pollution, environmental monitoring, remediation, and interactions between the land surface and atmosphere. Controlled laboratory systems help test how processes change across scales. The work connects subsurface physics with practical questions about pollution cleanup, energy development, hydrologic prediction, and the environmental consequences of moving fluids through complex geological systems.