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About Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and solutions to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
About Mines Overview
Academics

For more than 150 years, Mines has engineered a world of possibilities through world-class academics and hands-on learning that help you build real skills and set you up for career success.
Academics Overview
Research

As an R1 research university, Mines brings faculty, students and global partners together to engineer solutions that address the world's biggest scientific challenges and shape the future on Earth and beyond.
Research Overview
Student Experience

From orientation to graduation, the Mines student experience is built on connection, challenge and support, helping you feel at home, find your people and thrive personally and academically.
Student Experience Overview
Admission & Aid

At Mines, we work together to make sure a premier engineering education is within reach through personalized support and resources to help you join the Oredigger family and achieve all your academic dreams.
Admissions and Aid Overview

Faculty Directory

Ryan Richards

Professor, Department of Chemistry
Director, Joint Mines/NLR NEXUS Center

Contact Information

rrichard@mines.edu (303) 273 3612

304 Coolbaugh Hall

Chemistry
Materials Science

Biography

The Richards group works at the interface of the fields of renewable energy, nanoscale materials, sustainability, circular economy, catalysis and inorganic chemistry. The group leverages collaborative efforts (predominantly at Mines and NRL) with in-situ characterization (ie. microscopies, X-rays, spectroscopies), computation (including molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning), as well as applications (biomass/plastics upgrading, fuel cells, CO2 capture/conversion, batteries, etc.) to realize the ambitions of these projects. Please visit the Richards group webpage for additional information.

Education

BA, Chemistry – Michigan State University
MS – Central Michigan University
PhD – Kansas State University
Visiting Scientist PhD– Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Russia
Postdoctoral Study – Max Planck Institute fuer Kohlenforschung, Germany

Additional Information

https://richards-research.mines.edu/

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=r5LbaV4AAAAJ&hl=en

Research Pillars

Environment | Foundations | Frontiers | Fundamentals

Research Focus Areas

Carbon Management & Air Quality | Clean & Sustainable Water Systems | Communication & Public Engagement | Environment Climate & Society | Materials & Manufacturing of the Future | Materials Discovery

Research Keywords

Catalysts & Catalysis | Ceramics & Glasses | Climate Change | Electrochemical Materials & Systems | Energy-Water Nexus | Hydrogen Storage & Capture | Materials Design | Materials for Energy | Materials Synthesis & Processing | Nanoscale Materials | Per- & Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | Perovskites | Plasmonic Materials | Porous Materials & Frameworks | Socially Responsible Engineering | Surface & Interface Analysis | Sustainable Manufacturing & Processes | Sustainable Resource Management | Water Treatment Technologies