South SFV Today

Materials scientist and energy storage entrepreneur William Chueh has been appointed as the new director of the Precourt Institute for Energy at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Chueh, whose research focuses on the fundamental chemistry, materials, and physics underlying better batteries, fuel cells, and other energy technologies, views Precourt as "the glue" connecting many people and organizations working on energy at Stanford and beyond.

“Because of Precourt, we are well connected. The task is clear. We need to continue to amplify this connectivity across Stanford and across the world,” he said. “We have a limited amount of time to decarbonize and complete the energy transition, and partnerships are key.”

Chueh will assume his new responsibilities on July 1.

“Since its launch, Precourt, along with the Woods Institute for the Environment, has helped set the standard for collaborative and interdisciplinary research and education at Stanford,” said Arun Majumdar, inaugural dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Majumdar previously co-led the Precourt Institute with Sally Benson.

Majumdar selected Chueh from a small group of candidates recommended by a faculty search committee led by Benson. “I express deepest gratitude to Sally and the members of the search committee for their diligent work on behalf of the Institute and Stanford University,” said Majumdar. “Will’s record of achievements as an eminent researcher, keen innovator, and proven leader demonstrate just how prepared he is to carry forward and build the Institute’s vision.”

Chueh holds multiple academic positions within Stanford: associate professor in energy science and engineering in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability; materials science and engineering in the School of Engineering; photon science at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; director of SLAC-Stanford Battery Center; co-director with Yi Cui of StorageX Initiative.

“I grew up with Precourt,” Chueh reflected on nearly 20 years since receiving support from Stanford’s Global Climate & Energy Project for his doctoral thesis at Caltech.

In 2010, shortly after Precourt's founding with a gift from Jay Precourt's family, Chueh was hired as its first affiliated faculty member.

In 2021, Chueh co-founded Mitra Chem aiming to manufacture iron-based cathode materials in North America for electric car batteries. With Benson, he co-directs STEER (launched by SLAC-Stanford Battery Center) guiding R&D directions related to energy technologies.

Chueh values educating future energy innovators: “I measure success by impact made possible by people we train,” he said.

Recent research by Chueh involves high-resolution microscopy techniques combined with artificial intelligence addressing issues like battery wear-out times significantly reducing testing durations from years to weeks.

“Will has been an invaluable contributor to Precourt's success,” said Benson. “Building on his impressive track record... I am excited about new directions he will lead us as next director.”

Chueh succeeds Roland Horne who served as interim director since December 2023 following Cui stepping down focusing more on Sustainability Accelerator roles.

“Will is a great choice... His academic career emphasized creative practical energy research," commented Horne wishing him well fostering broader community engagements beyond just campus boundaries until July transition completion happens formally passing over reins completely then."

The annual budget close-to $30 million supports various programs including hiring postdoctoral scholars working alongside existing faculties spread across departments dealing directly/indirectly linked towards achieving sustainable affordable secure-energy goals envisioned back when initially setup during late-2009 period ever since inception phase started rolling out activities progressively growing year-on-year basis consistently maintaining standards expected delivering results continuously without interruptions whatsoever thus far seen happening accordingly anticipated going forward similarly continuing trend hopefully successfully managing challenges ahead foreseeable future timeframe under capable leadership guiding institute further heights reaching milestones envisaged ultimately benefiting society-at-large positively contributing meaningful ways impacting lives globally making difference truly felt appreciated acknowledged widely recognized respected alike overall perspective 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