Benjamin Paren
Assistant Professor
Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Education
- PhD (2021) University of Pennsylvania (Materials Science and Engineering )
- BS (2016) Carnegie Mellon University (Materials Science and Engineering, double major in Engineering and Public Policy)
- MS (2016) Carnegie Mellon University (Materials Science and Engineering)
Research
My research vision is to develop safe, high-performing polymer electrolytes for electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems, which are critical for the transition to an all-renewable energy grid. Our lab uses an understanding of nanoscale properties to inform rational design of polymer electrolytes for use in electrochemically-active assemblies. Our interdisciplinary team will focus on characterizing and developing polymer electrolytes for technologies that utilize resource-abundant or low-cost materials, such as Na and Mg-based batteries, and anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Common experimental techniques used by our group include X-ray scattering (structural characterization), dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (polymer and ion dynamics), and electrochemical testing. We are always open to considering collaboration (experimental and computational) on both related and unrelated topics, particularly if the research fall under the umbrella of polymer structure and dynamics or materials for energy.
Experience
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Research Laboratory of Electronics - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2021-2023)
Institutional Service
- CEMS Seminar Coordinator Chair
- CEMS Graduate Studies Committee Member
- SES Faculty Advisory Council Member
- Stevens First Year Reading Committee Member
Appointments
Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering and Materials Science - Stevens Institute of Technology (2023 - Present)
Professional Societies
- AIChE – American Institute of Chemical Engineers Member
- MRS – Materials Research Society Member
- ACS – American Chemical Society Member
- ECS – Electrochemical Society Member
- APS – American Physical Society Member
Selected Publications
Journal Article
- Chung, D. H.; Graham, E. J.; Paren, B.; Schofield, L.; Shao-Horn, Y.; Mallapragada, D. S. (2024). “Design Space for PEM Electrolysis for Cost-Effective H2 Production Using Grid Electricity. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (13 ed., vol. 63, pp. 7258-7270). ACS Publications.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.iecr.4c00123.