Benjamin Paren
Assistant Professor
Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Education
- PhD (2021) University of Pennsylvania (Materials Science and Engineering )
- BS (2016) Carnegie Mellon University (Materials Science and Engineering, double major in Engineering and Public Policy)
- MS (2016) Carnegie Mellon University (Materials Science and Engineering)
Research
My research vision is to develop safe, high-performing polymer electrolytes for electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems, which are critical for the transition to an all-renewable energy grid. Our lab uses an understanding of nanoscale properties to inform rational design of polymer electrolytes for use in electrochemically-active assemblies. Our interdisciplinary team will focus on characterizing and developing polymer electrolytes for technologies that utilize resource-abundant or low-cost materials, such as Na and Mg-based batteries, and anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Common experimental techniques used by our group include X-ray scattering (structural characterization), dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (polymer and ion dynamics), and electrochemical testing. We are always open to considering collaboration (experimental and computational) on both related and unrelated topics, particularly if the research fall under the umbrella of polymer structure and dynamics or materials for energy.
Experience
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Research Laboratory of Electronics - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2021-2023)
Institutional Service
- Stevens Center for Sustainability Steering Committee Member Member
- CEMS Seminar Coordinator Chair
- CEMS Graduate Studies Committee Member
- MLK Week of Service Planning Committee Member
- SES Faculty Advisory Council Member
- Stevens First Year Reading Committee Member
Professional Service
- National Science Foundation Proposal Reviewer
- Department of Energy Proposal Reviewer
- National Science Foundation Proposal Reviewer
- American Physical Society Session Organizer and Chair-APS March Meeting
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers Session Organizer and Co-Chair- AIChE Annual Meeting
Appointments
Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering and Materials Science - Stevens Institute of Technology (2023 - Present)
Honors and Awards
ACS Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator Award (2026)
NSF Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) Award (2025)
Finalist, ACS DSM Bright Science Award (2021)
Finalist, APS DPOLY Frank J. Padden Award (2021)
NSF Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) Award (2025)
Finalist, ACS DSM Bright Science Award (2021)
Finalist, APS DPOLY Frank J. Padden Award (2021)
Professional Societies
- AIChE – American Institute of Chemical Engineers Member
- MRS – Materials Research Society Member
- ACS – American Chemical Society Member
- ECS – Electrochemical Society Member
- APS – American Physical Society Member
Grants, Contracts and Funds
"Correlating Ion Transport Mechanisms with Nanoscale Structure in Anion Exchange Membranes for CO2 Uptake or Electrolysis", 06/2026-08/2028.
Role: PI
Amount: $110,000
Source: ACS (PRF DNI)
"ERI: Controlling the Hierarchical Porosity and Surface-Functionalized Nanostructure of Polyethylene using Amphiphilic Additives," 09/2025-08/2027.
Role: PI
Amount: $199,994
Source: NSF (ENG-CMMI-Advanced Manufacturing)
Role: PI
Amount: $110,000
Source: ACS (PRF DNI)
"ERI: Controlling the Hierarchical Porosity and Surface-Functionalized Nanostructure of Polyethylene using Amphiphilic Additives," 09/2025-08/2027.
Role: PI
Amount: $199,994
Source: NSF (ENG-CMMI-Advanced Manufacturing)
Selected Publications
Journal Article
Courses
CHE 233 - Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I
ENGR 311- Design with Materials
ENGR 311- Design with Materials