Joseph DeSimone

Joseph DeSimone portrait Innovation Day 2008

Joseph DeSimone is an American chemist and inventor known for his significant contributions to the fields of polymer chemistry, nanomedicine, and 3D printing. He is a distinguished professor and entrepreneur, having co-founded several companies and held numerous academic positions.

Early Life and Education

Joseph DeSimone was born in [[]] and grew up in [[]]. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Ursinus College in 1986. He then went on to receive his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech in 1990, where he worked under the guidance of James E. McGrath.

Academic Career

DeSimone began his academic career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and North Carolina State University (NCSU), where he held joint appointments. He was named the Chancellor's Eminent Professor of Chemistry at UNC and the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at NCSU. In 2014, he joined the faculty at Stanford University as a professor of Chemical Engineering.

Research and Innovations

DeSimone's research has spanned several areas, including green chemistry, nanomedicine, and 3D printing. He is particularly known for his work in developing supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent for the creation of fluoropolymers and other materials. This innovation has had significant environmental benefits by reducing the need for hazardous solvents.

In the field of nanomedicine, DeSimone has developed novel nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, which have the potential to improve the efficacy and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

3D Printing and Carbon, Inc.

One of DeSimone's most notable achievements is the invention of Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) technology, a groundbreaking method for 3D printing that allows for the rapid production of complex objects. This technology led to the founding of Carbon, Inc., a company that has revolutionized the 3D printing industry by enabling the production of high-quality, durable parts at scale.

Awards and Honors

Joseph DeSimone has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:

• The National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2016
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences
• Election to the National Academy of Engineering
• The Lemelson-MIT Prize in 2008

Personal Life

DeSimone is married to [[]] and has [[]] children. He is known for his commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and has been an advocate for increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in science and engineering.

See Also

• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanomedicine
• 3D Printing
• Carbon, Inc.
• National Medal of Technology and Innovation