CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Benjamin Snyder, professor of chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been named a 2025 Packard Fellow by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
The Foundation recognized Snyder for his research “developing new methods to define and precisely control catalyst structure, and therefore function, at the atomic scale.” He is among 20 distinguished early-career scientists and engineers selected for the 2025 class of Packard Fellows who will receive $875,000 over five years to support their research.
At U. of I., Snyder’s work resides at the intersection of inorganic materials and physical chemistry. “We study porous materials such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks, which have fascinating applications ranging from heterogeneous catalysis to adsorptive separations,” Snyder said. “We employ advanced physical-inorganic spectroscopy to understand how these materials function and apply principles of materials synthesis to enhance their performance.”
Snyder earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University in 2018 and subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, as an Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellow. He joined the University of Illinois faculty in 2023 and is also affiliated with the Materials Research Laboratory.
In it's announcement, the Packard Foundation emphasized the importance of scientific research in American history:
“David Packard believed that science was the cornerstone of America’s progress. He invested in science not only because it drives innovation but because it is a public good that strengthens our society and our shared future. Today, that vision matters more than ever,” said Nancy Lindborg, president and CEO of the Packard Foundation. “At a time when we face urgent challenges, the Packard Foundation continues to champion science that is rigorous, evidence-based, and responsive to communities’ needs. We honor our founder’s legacy by ensuring that science in America remains a beacon—advancing knowledge, informing action, and creating a more sustainable world for generations to come.”
Editor’s note:
For more information or to contact Professor Benjamin Snyder, email bsnyder@illinois.edu.