ACS Recognizes Chemical Engineer with Leadership in Mentorship Award

Christopher Johnson is the recipient of the Leadership in Mentoring award.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized Christopher Johnson, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, as one of the recipients of the 2026 Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Recognition Program.

He is recognized with the Leadership in Mentoring award, a recognition category that highlights outstanding efforts and impact in research and safety mentoring. The award recognized mentoring in their own research group as well as outside groups, undergraduate, high school researchers, and participants in short-term research programs (e.g. summer programs, REUs, international exchanges).

“This award has meant the world to me; I've enjoyed my time at the University of Maryland so much over the past year, especially as I have watched mentees go on to do wonderful work at research laboratories and industrial positions,” said Johnson.

He is a member of the Functional Macromolecular Laboratory, a research group led by Professor and Chair Peter Kofinas, where he works on battery research. He’s focused on technologies that are capable of handling extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Additionally, his undergraduate mentees work on additive assessment, devices for battery fabrication, and computer programs that assist with lab activities.

While he is currently mentoring two undergraduate students within his research group, he has had the opportunity to mentor several others, who have gone on to professional positions or pursue independent research within the lab, where he says he is always happy to informally chat with them about their ideas and future.

“I try to foster a curious nature in folks, and it is fulfilling to see someone get really excited about a new idea,” he said.

Published September 14, 2026