Jeremy Feaster
May 15, 2020
What do you like about working at the Lab?
I love how collaborative the projects are. The ability to work with brilliant people in many different disciplines—and to be able to grow professionally and personally within the culture of the Lab—is a privilege that I cherish.
What do your day-to-day work activities include?
On any given day, I can be found designing electrochemical reactors at my desk, using the array of advanced manufacturing techniques at the Lab to create devices, and performing experiments in the lab to convert carbon dioxide into useful products like plastics or fuels.
What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?
I’m extremely proud of the work that I was able to accomplish for creating the first 3D-printed vapor-fed reactors for electrochemical CO2 conversion. It’s a project that began as an idea in my head and turned into a full-scope effort that has left an impression not only on the field of CO2 reduction, but has opened new arenas in electrochemistry and chemical engineering.
What inspired you to go into your field of work?
My perspective toward life is to help as many people as possible. With that in mind, science and research are excellent ways to make an impact on society, as well as to inspire the next generation to help and discover new knowledge.
My 10th grade chemistry teacher was very influential in my life and helped push me to not only learn about science, but to see the ways that it can be used to impact others. Throughout my educational career, I have been inspired by the many different problems people are working on and their dedication to leaving the world in a better place.
What is your educational and career background?
Hailing from Charlotte, NC, I earned my BS in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2011. I then completed my MS (2015) and PhD (2018) in chemical engineering from Stanford University, completing my dissertation in electrochemical catalyst and method design with Professor Thomas F. Jaramillo. I began at the Lab as a postdoctoral researcher in 2018 and have enjoyed my educational journey thus far!
What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?
One thing that I am very grateful I was able to do was to use my < 25% postdoc time to learn about the types of projects at the Lab. There’s a lot of really interesting and engaging projects that are going on, and I really appreciated how willing people were to discuss their work and look for opportunities to work together.
What do you do in your free time?
I spend a lot of time working with The Jeremy T. Feaster Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that I founded in 2012. Our team focuses on uplifting, mentoring, and awarding scholarships to under-represented students involved in community service. I also enjoy cooking, gardening, practicing mixed martial arts, engaging in outreach programs in the Bay area, and making wine!
Are you a member of any employee resource or networking groups?
I’m a member of the African American Body of Laboratory Employees (ABLE) and the Lawrence Livermore Postdoc Association.
