Dr. Julie Rorrer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington – Seattle. The Rorrer lab’s research is focused on the application of heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable chemical transformations including the upgrading of plastic waste and the synthesis of renewable and bio-based fuels and chemicals. She received her PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and her BS in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University. 

Prior to the University of Washington, Julie was an Arnold O. Beckman postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In addition to her research in chemical engineering, she is also the founder of the ongoing science communication and outreach initiative, ColorMePhD, which creates free educational coloring pages which explain PhD-level research using creative illustrations. 

Some of her recent awards include the ARPA-E IGNIITE award, selection as a Scialog Fellow, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers 35 Innovators Under 35 award for her work in energy and the environment and commitment to advancing community engagement and inclusion in science and engineering.

Talk Title: Breaking Plastics and Breaking Barriers: Catalysts for Sustainability and Science Communication.