Elise Strobach, PhD (AeroShield)
Overview
Elise Strobach, PhD, is an accomplished scientist and entrepreneur, renowned for her groundbreaking work in the field of materials science, particularly concerning energy efficiency and aerogels. She is the co-founder and CEO of AeroShield, a company dedicated to revolutionizing energy-efficient window technologies. Strobach's notable contributions include the co-invention of ultra-clear and super-insulating aerogels that offer significant improvements for the built environment, particularly in window insulation. Recognized for her innovative work, Elise was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Energy category in 2020.
Recent Developments
In the past couple of years, Elise Strobach and AeroShield have made several significant strides:
- 2024: AeroShield opened a new pilot manufacturing facility in Waltham, Massachusetts, aimed at producing energy-efficient aerogel-insulated windows. The facility spans 12,000 square feet and is central to the company's scale-up production capabilities. The expansion was supported by a $14.5 million award from ARPA-E’s SCALEUP program.
- 2024: AeroShield secured $5 million in additional funding from investors like the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and MassMutual Ventures, enhancing its manufacturing and R&D efforts.
- March 2025: AeroShield installed a 25-ton critical point dryer at its Waltham facility. This equipment is essential for the production of full-size aerogel-insulated glass for entry and patio doors and marks a major step in the commercialization of this technology.
- 2025: AeroShield was recognized by the Department of Energy as a Phase I winner of the Building Envelope Innovation Prize, positioning the company at the forefront of energy-efficient window technology.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elise Strobach |
| Born | Osceola, Wisconsin, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | CEO, Scientist, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-founding AeroShield; Innovations in aerogel tech |
| Education | Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, MIT |
| Forbes 30 Under 30 | Energy Category (2020) |
Early Life and Education
Elise Strobach was raised in Osceola, Wisconsin, a small town that instilled in her a profound appreciation for the environment from an early age. She pursued her undergraduate education at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), where she received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2014. Her time at MSOE was characterized by active involvement in extracurricular activities, including leadership roles in the Wisconsin Association of Energy Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Driven by her passion for renewable energy and sustainable technology, Strobach pursued graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she earned her Master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. During her graduate studies, she worked under Professor Evelyn Wang, focusing on the use of aerogels for solar energy harvesting. Her research efforts centered on developing a silica aerogel with remarkable transparency and insulation properties, pushing the boundaries of current material sciences.
Career and Notable Achievements
Elise Strobach’s professional journey has been marked by significant milestones:
- 2019: Co-founded AeroShield with Kyle Wilke, based on her doctoral research on transparent aerogels at MIT.
- 2020: Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Energy sector, highlighting her promising contributions to sustainable technologies.
- Strobach’s work has led to several high-impact publications in materials science, further cementing her status as an innovator in the field.
- AeroShield's technology, which Strobach helped develop, focuses on inserting aerogel sheets into windows to dramatically improve their thermal insulation capabilities without sacrificing transparency.
Current Work and Impact
Elise Strobach currently serves as CEO of AeroShield, where she continues to drive innovation in materials science. Her work is crucial in advancing energy-efficient materials designed to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions globally. The company's goal to provide affordable, thermally insulating windows is part of a broader mission to decarbonize the built environment and combat climate change.
Conclusion
Elise Strobach’s contributions to materials science and sustainability exemplify the impact passionate and driven individuals can have on the future of technology and the environment. Through AeroShield, Strobach continues to pioneer advancements in window technology, offering potential significant reductions in energy consumption and contributing to a low-carbon future. Her work not only enhances the energy efficiency of buildings but also provides a model for integrating innovative scientific discoveries into practical, marketable solutions.