Michael Denchy

Background

About Michael Denchy

I am a Ph.D. physical chemist currently working in an R&D engineering role at Advanced, Cooling Technologies, Inc. in Lancaster, PA. My doctoral research work was performed in the laboratory of Prof. Kit H. Bowen, Jr. at Johns Hopkins University and involved fundamental chemistry experiments using a sophisticated home-built apparatus constructed by myself and several colleagues. This work employed several different technologies and scientific techniques, including: state-of-the-art vacuum technology, electrostatic and electrodynamic ion optical systems, commercial and custom machining of critical components, mass spectrometry, photoelectron spectroscopy, and other surface science techniques. My current work at ACT involves the development of nonthermal plasma technologies aimed at solving problems ranging from the recycling of metal alloy powders used in additive manufacturing to novel preparations for rocket propellant fuels. At my core I am a deep-thinking, curiosity motivated problem solver who is most satisfied while reading to learn about a new topic or struggling to analyze or explain a complex issue. My most passionate interests are discovering how society can learn from and implement fundamental phenomena of chemistry and physics, as well as exploring the intersection between science and public policy, specifically how the methods and knowledge base of science can be leveraged to develop new technologies or inform policy formation in the best interest of society.