by Taylor Hawthorne and Heather Davies
In a realm where chemistry meets material science, Dr. Joerg Werner is a prime example of combining fundamental research with practical applications. As an Assistant Professor of Boston University’s Division of Material Sciences and Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Werner brings interdisciplinary collaboration into pursuing sustainable solutions.
“I started out as a chemist,” Werner reflected, tracing his academic roots back to his undergraduate and doctoral studies focused on leveraging chemistry to craft functional materials, particularly regarding renewable energy applications. From the start, he focused on the importance of innovation with scientific discovery. He explained that his journey was guided by a dual passion: structuring materials from nano to macro scales and rigorously testing their real-world performance.
Werner eventually decided to work for BU MechE and MSE due to the College of Engineering’s robust interdisciplinary framework. “At BU, the MSE division offered a perfect setting,” Werner noted. “There were lots of faculty interested in various areas of materials from across campus, not just engineering but also chemistry and physics.” These collaborations are essential for tackling multifaceted challenges such as energy sustainability.
As a member of the Werner research group, Anton Resing (MSE PhD) is researching advancements in battery electrode technology to pioneer sustainable ways to understand how synthesis impacts material structure and subsequent performance. “Anton adapted a process used in water filtration membrane manufacturing to fabricate battery electrodes,” Werner said. The project emphasizes meticulous control over micro- and nanostructures of battery electrodes and develops an understanding of how critical they are for enhancing battery efficiency, fast charging capability, and lifespan.
Beyond the lab, Werner is deeply engaged in sustainability initiatives at BU, particularly through the Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS). His involvement, initially started by collaborations within BU’s sustainability-focused community, now extends to reviewing projects aimed at enhancing campus sustainability through the Campus Climate Lab, and by expanding and enabling research collaborations through BU’s Energy and Sustainability Technology (BEST) Lab, which he co-founded in 2023. Werner shares his passion for sustainability while teaching students the importance of fundamental science combined with creative thinking and societal considerations to enable innovations in any field. He explains that these initiatives are a way to connect to communities on a broader scale than interdisciplinary scientific studies can do, providing a way for students to come together from various backgrounds and motivations that all integrate sustainability at some level.
Similarly, Werner’s collaboration with DARPA on carbon dioxide capture technologies highlights his commitment to addressing global challenges. His research focuses on developing materials capable of efficiently addressing the issue of CO2 in confined spaces, such as classrooms and spacecraft, with control from the molecular to the device level, as a testament to his innovative approach to sustainability.
Werner is also chair of the MSE Talks committee. He organizes seminars that enrich the academic landscape by inviting diverse speakers nominated by faculty. This platform facilitates intellectual exchange and cultivates a culture of innovation that is crucial for advancing MSE research; the new ideas help a new generation build upon existing work and bring new innovations forth.
When it comes to aspiring engineers and scientists, Werner emphasizes a foundational understanding of principles before embarking on innovative pursuits. “It’s about laying the groundwork,” he advises, stressing the importance of fundamental research in paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in any industry.
“We are very early in what they call technology readiness,” Werner said. As Werner continues to push the boundaries of material science and work on his initiatives to set the foundation of technology to come, his journey remains an inspiring example of interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainability advocacy, and transformative innovation. In the intersection between chemistry and engineering lies the promise of a greener, more sustainable future, a future that Dr. Joerg Werner is helping shape one breakthrough at a time.