Brandon McMurtry received his Ph.D. in chemistry at Columbia University studying solution-phase crystal growth mechanisms in the lab of professor Jonathan Owen. As a graduate student, his research has focused on improving the synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals for use in solid-state lighting applications. Prior to graduate school, he received a BS in chemistry from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in Honolulu, HI, where he was born and raised.

Outside of his graduate work, Brandon volunteers with Science for New York (Sci4NY), where he works at the intersection of science and policy to aid lawmakers in New York City. He has written memos on innovative solutions to organics recycling, advised New York City Council candidates on access to STEM education and broadband internet and researched effective strategies to upkeep the City’s green infrastructure. In addition, he is an ACS-AACT Science Coach and a Skype a Scientist program participant.