September 20, 2024

Alexandra Easley is a postdoc in the department of chemistry and chemical biology focusing on polymer chemistry from Minnetonka, Minnesota. She holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, and her research focuses on new approaches to carbon dioxide capture. She is a recipient of a Postdoc Achievement Award for Excellence in Mentoring as part of Cornell’s celebration of National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2024. Easley is a Klarman Fellow in the College of Arts and Sciences.

What is your area of research, scholarship, or work and why is it important?

My research focuses on making and characterizing new small molecules and materials for carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture. The goal of my work is to find materials with higher capacities for CO₂ storage (capable of capturing more CO₂ with the same amount of material) and to reduce the amount of energy needed to release the CO₂/restore the original material for additional capture. Current large scale CO₂ capture systems are not very energy efficient and the materials lose capacity over time. Development of cheaper and more efficient materials will be crucial to combatting atmospheric CO₂ levels or reducing the CO₂ in emissions.

What does receiving a Postdoc Achievement Award mean to you?

I have been so fortunate to have mentors that have acted as role models, cheerleaders, and advocates throughout my academic journey. My success, development, and growth as a researcher, academic, and person are because of the mentors I have had along the way. As a postdoc, I have tried to my best to do the same for the students I work with. I am so honored to receive this award for my mentorship and I am even more awestruck that my mentees were part of the nomination process.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

In my free time, I enjoy going to the indoor climbing gym, exercising with friends, spending time with my cat, and avoiding snow outside.

Why did you choose Cornell?

I think Cornell chose me. I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Klarman Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cornell and here I am two years into my fellowship!

What is next for you?

I will finish my postdoc here at Cornell before starting as an assistant professor in Chemical Engineering at NC State University.

Do you have any advice for current graduate students?

Always make time for your favorite hobby (especially one that helps your mental health or gets you away from grad school). More importantly, when things are stressful and it is tempting to stay at work a little longer “just to finish this quickly”, take a break and go enjoy your hobby!