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Kevin Browne

Kevin Browne’s work directly relates to fuel cell science, which is among the foremost areas of alternative energy research. Browne manipulates the surface of tiny particles on the nanometer scale in order to enhance their activity and make them more effective catalysts on fuel cells.

Browne, originally from Long Island, New York, is passionate about his involvement with fuel cell science research. “Working on the cutting edge of energy research such as this is among the most exciting and rewarding things that I could ever hope to do. I personally conduct experiments that few (if any) people in the world do in exactly the same way, and I have the unique opportunity to communicate my results in scholarly journals that chemists all over the globe read.”

Browne was drawn to chemistry because of a desire to figure out how things work “at the very smallest levels of detail and precision.” Analytical chemistry is particularly gratifying “because it allows me to solve puzzles and problems that impact all areas of chemistry.”

Browne appreciates Dr. Tong’s commitment to a healthy and positive lab atmosphere. “Dr. Tong takes his entire research group on a boating trip to the Chesapeake River with a friend of his at the beginning of every school year, and I’ve found that this is an excellent way to describe how Dr. Tong leads our research group: we work very hard and are encouraged to set high standards for ourselves. At the same time, he maintains a healthy lab atmosphere where all of the researchers can grow personally through special events that bring us all together in a non-academic setting.”

Putting academic achievement high on his list of priorities, Browne has made the Dean’s list every semester of his undergraduate career. He also received a GUROP fellowship for the upcoming summer. A Ph.D. in chemistry is next on Browne’s list: “It’s been incredibly rewarding so far, and nothing indicates that chemistry will ever leave me feeling bored.”

Recently Browne served as a guide, leading Georgetown’s Alumni Board of Directors on tours through the Reiss Science building, while explaining to them the high quality work that goes on in that facility. “Allowing alumni to get a glimpse of what makes Georgetown Chemistry so professional is a distinct opportunity, and one that lets me shape the way in which our department is viewed throughout the country.” Browne intends to someday apply his knowledge of chemistry to shape public policy with respect to the sciences. “We all know that fossil fuels are running low, and alternative sources of energy will become extremely important in the near future. I can’t think of a better way to use what I know about chemistry to guide our country through a new era of energy reliance and production.” In addition to chemistry, says Browne, “I absolutely love politics.”

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