CMU faculty member Anthony Chappaz receives DOE Fellowship to advance critical minerals research
Anthony Chappaz, CMU director of the Translational Accelerator, director of the STARLAB, and professor of molecular geochemistry within the College of Science & Engineering at Central Michigan University, has been awarded a prestigious fellowship from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) focused on critical minerals, materials considered essential to the nation’s economy, technology, and security. Critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, and rare earth elements, are key components in modern technologies such as batteries, electronics, medical devices, and defense systems.
The fellowship is part of the DOE’s Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Faculty Research Program. It provides Chappaz with access to DOE research networks, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with national laboratory researchers, while also supporting publications, conference participation, and student training.
“For me, this fellowship is a major federal recognition of the importance of my research program and of the molecular geochemistry approach we have developed at Central Michigan University. It means that this work is being recognized not only as strong fundamental science, but also as highly relevant to a national challenge: strengthening the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals,” Chappaz said.
Chappaz’s research will focus on identifying and characterizing critical minerals in unconventional and secondary resources, such as byproducts and waste streams from the oil and gas industry. By understanding the chemical forms and distribution of metals like vanadium, his work aims to guide the development of more efficient, selective, and environmentally responsible recovery strategies. This approach has the potential to reduce reliance on foreign mineral sources, create value from materials currently treated as waste, and support sustainable manufacturing practices.
The fellowship also emphasizes collaboration and mentorship. Chappaz will work closely with researchers at NETL in Pittsburgh and other national-laboratory partners, while providing training opportunities for CMU students and early-career scientists.
Long-term, this research contributes to a broader national effort to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains, advance sustainable resource recovery, and position Central Michigan University as a leading institution in critical minerals research.
