Mike Toney, Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering
Mike Toney is a professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Materials Science and Engineering Program. His academic interests are on materials for sustainable energy with a focus on understanding the physics and chemistry that underlie the functioning of these materials, especially for batteries, photovoltaics and more recently clean water. His research involves characterization using various X-ray scattering, spectroscopy and imaging methods with strong interest in interfaces and soft matter. Prior to coming to CU, he worked at the IBM Almaden Research Center and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Mike’s goal includes strengthening the Front Range’s research and development in sustainable energy materials.
Your coworkers can always count on you to . . .
be innovative and push the boundaries of what is possible.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have a very broad taste in music ranging from opera, Classical music, Irish, classic rock and roll, punk, and pop, despite being basically tone deaf.
Who would you most like to meet and why?
Marie Curie because she had tremendous accomplishments despite enormous challenges.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Ice Cream.
Which TV show do you never miss?
Star Trek in its many guises, but especially Deep Space Nine.
Who was the most famous person you met and where?
Stan Whittingham, who is very friendly and approachable, even for graduate students.
What do you most like to do to unwind?
Get outside, especially hiking.
