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Andrew Timmins (he/him)

College of Engineering

PhD in Materials Science & Engineering

Hometown: austin, texas

1. Briefly describe the work you're doing in your program at Â鶹´å.

   My research focuses on predicting how to synthesize new solid-state materials. Currently, learning how to make high-purity materials can take years of trial-and-error because we lack reliable tools to predict which starting ingredients and processing conditions will produce the desired results. The core problem is that materials go through complex sequences of intermediate phases between the starting ingredients and final product. Predicting these pathways requires understanding the thermodynamics (i.e. what should happen with infinite time) and kinetics (i.e. what can happen in the meantime) of synthesis. I'm developing computational methods that use machine learning to simulate and validate these formation processes against experimental data. If successful, this framework could substantially accelerate deployment of new materials into climate-critical technologies such as next-generation batteries, solar cells, and superconductors. Instead of spending years optimizing synthesis through trial-and-error, researchers could use simulations to guide experimental design, potentially reducing development timelines from years to months.

2. How did you develop an interest in this area? 

   Right after my bachelor's degree, I worked at Fenix International (a small energy access start-up), designing and implementing the manufacturing and testing processes for new battery systems for low-income customers, mainly in East Africa. During my master's degree, I conducted hands-on battery research and became particularly interested in better understanding and predicting the properties of novel battery materials. My goal now is to combine my research and industry experience to accelerate the materials development process and enable faster deployment and commercialization of technologies that can make a tangible impact on the climate crisis.

3. What are your academic and/or professional goals? 

   I am pursuing postdoctoral and professorship opportunities with the goal of balancing academia and entrepreneurship. My research continually reinforces that academia serves as an incubator for ideas and frameworks with potential for profound impact. At the same time, my experience at Fenix gave me the start-up bug, and I'm committed to building companies capable of translating research solutions into deployed technologies that can address the climate crisis. I see these paths as complementary: academic research develops the fundamental breakthroughs, while entrepreneurship ensures they reach the scale necessary for meaningful climate impact.

4. How do you spend your time beyond academic work?

   I currently serve as Vice President of Campus Affairs in the Graduate Student Assembly, where I work on issues related to the “lived experience” of graduate students. Two projects I've focused on are developing tools for students seeking reliable housing and rental information, and adapting the GSA childcare grant to provide more need-based support to student parents. Outside of work and advocacy, I spend time with my two cats, Leo and Chester.