Brian Barry Ph.D.

Brian Barry headshot
Professional Title
Chemistry and Materials Science Program Leader - Materials and Bioeconomy

Barry earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Iowa followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He went on to take a Visiting Assistant Professor position at St. Mary's University (Nova Scotia, Canada) followed by an Assistant Professor of Chemistry position at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

His previous research experiences include a) solid-state synthetic routes to metastable polyphosphides (bulk and nano regimes) intended for electrode materials in next generation batteries, b) molecular catalyst design and preparation for small molecule activation, namely CO2, and c) preparation of metal-free, electron-rich organic reductants.

Current work on materials development:

  • biodegradable, slow-release fertilizer coatings
  • biochar production, characterization, agglomeration and inoculation for use as a soil amendment
  • production of bio-based reductants from regionally relevant biomass resources

Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Sandia National Laboratories 2010-2013
  • Ph.D., Inorganic Chemistry, University of Iowa, 2004-2009
  • B.S., Chemistry, University of Northern Iowa, 2000-2004

Publications

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NRRI News Articles

Promising lab results raises biochar's potential to filter pollutants in stormwater runoff.

NRRI demonstration project transforms wildfire fuel into carbon-sequestering, soil-enhancing biocarbon material

Contaminants in Great Lakes and biochar projects spur acquisition of interesting new tools to get the job done right.