Dr. Matthew Kanan

Professor

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Biography

Matt Kanan is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and a Senior Fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford University. His research group addresses critical challenges in energy conversion and sustainable resource utilization, particularly focusing on carbon dioxide removal technologies. His work includes the development of process technologies that utilize CO2 for the efficient production of chemicals, the use of metal-free catalysts for hydrogenation reactions, and the innovation of membrane-free electrochemical systems to improve sustainability in energy production. Additionally, he is a co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor for ReSource Chemical Corp., an Oakland-based start-up aimed at commercializing processes that convert CO2 into performance-advantaged plastics from inedible biomass. Kanan has earned several awards for his contributions to the field, including the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award and recognition as one of Talented 12 by Chemistry & Engineering News. He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Harvard University and completed postdoctoral research in Inorganic Chemistry at MIT.

Research Interests

Awards

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Talented 12

2015-01-01
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Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award

2014-01-01
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Hellman Faculty Scholar Award

2013-01-01
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Camille Henry Dreyfus Environmental Mentor

2012-01-01
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Thieme Journal Award

2010-01-01
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Eli Lilly New Faculty Award

2009-01-01

Courses

CHEM 31E CHEM 121 CHEM 190 CHEM 90 MATSCI 300 CHEM 200 CHEM 301 CHEM 123

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.