2024 GMiS Luminaries

Education:  PhD in Chemical Engineering, Clemson University Clemson; Bachelors in Chemical Engineering, Universidad del Valle Cali, (Colombia)

Of all the postdoctoral researchers at the Surface Chemistry and Catalysis group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, only about one in ten end up being hired as permanent staff.  Felipe Polo-Garzon was not only one of ten in 2016, he also received a promotion by the end of the decade.  Today, Felipe is respected as a driver of science at Oak Ridge, where he combines a congenial attitude along with research acumen that far exceeds many of his contemporaries. 

Felipe’s research has centered on the acid-base and redox catalytic properties of complex metal oxide materials and supported metal materials.  His subject matter expertise focuses on the use of various spectroscopy and scattering techniques, coupled with advanced kinetic analysis, microkinetic modeling and density functional theory simulations to unveil catalytic reaction mechanisms and achieve rational optimization of catalysts.  His work also explores the use of complex oxide catalysts for natural gas upgrading and hydrogen production – research critical to the Department of Energy’s goal to meet future demand for clean, equitable energy. 

In addition, he has championed upcycling of discarded plastics using liquid metal catalysts. Even without formal training in polymer science, Felipe has single-handedly rallied experts in polymer chemistry, neutron scattering, carbon materials, and catalysis, to drive a project to convert polyvinyl chloride into clean H2 fuel and useful carbon materials.

Despite being one of the youngest staff in his group, he was named Thrust Leader of the DOE-funded Fundamentals of Catalysis and Chemical Transformations Catalysis program. Called a natural in this role by his colleagues, his ideas are helping drive both the current and future efforts of the group.  Felipe’s also proven to be an extraordinary developer of scientific instruments and equipment, a clever and out-of-the box researcher, an excellent written and verbal communicator, a friendly colleague, and a natural leader.  His scientific leadership and personable nature have the potential to position him as a strategy leader across the national laboratory complex. Felipe’s broad set of skills, including a combined computational- experimental doctoral training, make him a dynamic and adaptable scientist who’s eager to learn and take on new projects.  He is an in-house expert in steady-state and transient kinetic analysis, as well as adsorption microcalorimetry, about which he recently published a book chapter) in these unique areas.  

Research acumen and ability to self-teach new skills, combined with his care for and kindness toward others, set Felipe apart and distinguish him as a rare talent and a crucial member of the Oak Ridge community.