Steven R. Spurgeon
Joint Appointment in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Bio
Dr. Steven R. Spurgeon is a leading figure in materials data science, currently spearheading research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the University of Colorado-Boulder. His work focuses on the development and application of AI-driven techniques to understand the synthesis and degradation of functional materials in extreme environments, crucial for advancements in microelectronics, sensing, and computing. Dr. Spurgeon’s innovative research has been widely recognized, earning him prestigious awards, such as the R&D 100 and early career prizes / fellowships from the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, and the Microscopy Society of America. His contributions extend beyond research, as he actively mentors students, fosters commercial partnerships, and shapes the future of materials science through leadership roles in professional societies.
Professional Experience
2024 – Present: Joint Appointee, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
2024 – Present: Senior Materials Data Scientist, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
2024 – Present: Fellow, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder
2021 – 2024: Affiliate Associate Professor of Physics, University of Washington
2017 – 2024: Senior Materials Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
2015 – 2017: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Education
2014: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University
2009: B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Selected Awards
2024: R&D 100 Award for Autonomous Electron Microscope (AutoEM)
2022: PNNL Laboratory Director’s Award for Early Career Achievement
2016: Postdoctoral Research Award from Microscopy Society of America
2014: National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship from Department of Defense
2013: Gold Graduate Student Award from Materials Research Society
2013: Presidential Student Award from Microscopy Society of America