Karen Mulfort, chemist, works in the field of solar energy conversion at Argonne.
Karen Mulfort earned a B.S. in chemistry as well as a B.ChE. in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2001. After a brief stint in industry, she returned to academia and earned her Ph.D. in materials chemistry from Northwestern University in 2008. Her thesis research on H2 storage in metal-organic frameworks was recognized with a Student Lecturer Award from the American Crystallographic Association and a Young Investigator Award from the American Chemical Society Division of Inorganic Chemistry. Mulfort accepted a Director’s Postdoctoral Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory to design and characterize supramolecular photocatalysts for H2 production. She is currently a chemist in Chemical Sciences and Engineering, leading the effort for new photocatalyst synthesis in the Solar Energy Conversion Group.
What do you do?
I design and synthesize new molecules and molecular materials for use as catalysts to convert light energy and water into hydrogen and oxygen.
What is the best part of your job?
I get to make things that no one has ever seen before or maybe ever even imagined before! It’s very exciting trying to make new materials to address our research goals and then trying to understand how it all works.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the mission-driven nature of our research programs. Our research is quite far from technological development, but the ultimate goal is to contribute something that will help our society. I’m inspired by my colleagues. I’m extremely lucky to have worked with colleagues in the past, and current colleagues who are some of the most intelligent, driven, and supportive people out there.
When did you first consider pursuing a STEM degree?
I first considered pursuing a science career in general, and chemistry in particular, in high school. I always liked math and science classes, but thought I wanted to become a medical doctor. In high school however, I had a very enthusiastic chemistry teacher and when I got hands on experience in this tough chemistry lab, I wanted to know more.
Does your job require travel? If so, where is the most unique/interesting destination you’ve visited?
Yes, I travel a few times a year to attend conferences and meetings to learn about current research in the field and present my research. The Solar Fuels Institute (SOFI) holds annual meetings. In June of last year, the meeting was held in Uppsala, Sweden. This is probably the furthest I’ve traveled for work so far.