Charles Musgrave, Professor, Department Chair of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Charles Musgrave, PhD, is a professor of chemical and biological engineering and professor by courtesy of chemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. His program involves the application of a wide variety of quantum mechanical modeling methods to problems in the energy sciences. His research focuseson photovoltaics, including singlet fission and exciton transport and splitting for more efficient organic solar cells; catalysis,the chemical reduction of CO2 and water splitting; and energy storage. These efforts aim to understand the fundamental processes of energy conversion and storage to guide the development of future advanced energy technologies.
Never give up.
What has been your favorite work or personal project so far?
Growing the department faculty.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I had a speech impediment until I was about 8 years-old. I was an Eagle Scout, Boy’s State rep, captain of the track and cross-country teams, and won various mountain bike races. My mom didn’t attend high school and my dad didn’t go to college. My mom became a US citizen after living in this country for 52 years. I was previously on the faculties of Caltech, MIT, Stanford and Harvard.
One thing you’re willing to spend way too much on...
Bicycles.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Marzipan.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, which coworker would you want to organize your rescue party, and why?
Meg Clarke (our department operations manager). Meg will get things done, and probably bring cookies for the ride home.
Who was the most famous person you met and where?
Several people. I met Mitt Romney at church. Condoleezza Rice was my boss at Stanford (we’d have lunch together). I met Ross Perot during some meetingsand had dinner with Marv Minsky and Rich Smalley.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Always say “thank you.”Thank you mom!
What do you most like to do to unwind?
Ride my bike up a big mountain.