Garrett Miyake (New Iridium)
Overview
Garrett Miyake is an esteemed American chemist and academic, prominently known for his pioneering work in the field of polymer chemistry and catalysis. He is a co-founder and the Chief Technology Officer of New Iridium, a startup company based in Boulder, Colorado, which focuses on sustainable chemical manufacturing. Miyake has been recognized for his significant contributions to organic photocatalysis, notably advancing the field of organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP). His work has earned accolades including the Journal of Polymer Science Innovation Award, and he is a faculty member at Colorado State University.
Recent Developments
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2025
- Published novel research on the upcycling of polynorbornene derivatives to create recyclable thermoset plastics, addressing environmental concerns regarding plastic waste.
- Recognized in Angewandte Chemie for advancing polymer materials science.
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2023-2024
- Garrett Miyake was a finalist for the Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists in consecutive years, highlighting his continued innovative contributions to polymer chemistry.
- New Iridium secured a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to advance chemical manufacturing technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact.
- Research on photooxidation of polyolefins was published, showing improvements in material properties for mixed plastics processing.
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2022
- Explored photocatalytic processes for carbon-fluorine bond activation, a breakthrough in handling persistent environmental pollutants like polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Garrett M. Miyake |
| Born | [Data not public] |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Chemist, Professor, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Polymer chemisty, photochemistry, O-ATRP |
| Education | B.S. Pacific University, Ph.D. Colorado State University |
| Net Worth | Estimated with professional affiliations |
Early Life and Education
Garrett Miyake was born and raised in [Birthplace not publicly documented], where he developed an early interest in science. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Pacific University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Encouraged by his curiosity and passion for chemistry, Miyake attended Colorado State University (CSU) for his doctoral studies under the mentorship of Professor Eugene Y.-X. Chen. His doctoral research focused on sustainable polymer synthesis, laying the foundation for his future innovative work in polymer chemistry. Post-Ph.D., Miyake expanded his research experience under the tutelage of Nobel Laureate Robert H. Grubbs at the California Institute of Technology, where he honed his skills in catalysis and materials science, critical areas in his subsequent career.
Career and Notable Achievements
Garrett Miyake's professional journey can be characterized by his contributions to academia and entrepreneurship:
- Colorado State University: Currently an Associate Professor, his research primarily focuses on developing sustainable materials and pioneering methods like O-ATRP.
- New Iridium: As CTO and co-founder, Miyake has spearheaded efforts to innovate sustainable chemical processes, notably in photocatalysis.
- Awards and Honors:
- ACS Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering Journal of Polymer Science Innovation Award (2021)
- Colorado State University Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Award (2020)
- ACS Division of Polymer Chemistry AkzoNobel Award for Outstanding Graduate Research (2012)
Current Work and Impact
Garrett Miyake continues to lead research in sustainable photoredox catalysis and innovative polymeric materials at Colorado State University and New Iridium. His current projects include the development of sustainable plastics and new catalytic processes that reduce reliance on heavy metals, thereby advancing eco-friendliness in chemical manufacturing. Miyake’s work significantly impacts efforts to address plastic waste, offering scalable solutions that incorporate recyclability into advanced material designs.
Niels H Damrauer
Niels H. Damrauer, Miyake’s collaborator and co-author, is a notable figure in chemistry, especially in photochemistry and catalysis research. Together, they have published extensively on polymerization methods and photocatalytic processes, contributing to environmentally conscious chemical solutions.
Garret Miyake Google Scholar
Garrett Miyake’s Google Scholar profile highlights his prolific contributions, including over 125 peer-reviewed publications that reflect his work's breadth and depth in catalysis and polymer chemistry. His research is highly cited in the scientific community, underscoring his influence in developing sustainable chemical technologies.
Conclusion
Garrett Miyake is a prominent figure in the field of polymer chemistry, with significant contributions to catalysis and sustainable chemical processes. Through his academic position and entrepreneurial ventures, he has pioneered technologies and methods crucial for advancing eco-friendly material science. As environmental concerns and sustainability continue to drive scientific inquiry, Miyake’s work serves as a cornerstone for future innovations expected to influence both academic circles and industrial practices profoundly.