We recently got a chance to meet Dr. Jalaal Hayes, a trailblazing figure in applied chemistry, hydrogen storage systems, and STEM education. Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, USA, Dr. Hayes has etched his name in the annals of academic history through a remarkable journey marked by unprecedented achievements. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and passion for community-building and education have positioned him as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and educators alike.
From his early years at The Ivy Leaf School to his groundbreaking dissertation defense at Delaware State University, where he earned the title of the youngest-ever Doctoral Candidate in the institution’s 130-year history at 22, Dr. Jalaal Hayes has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and prowess in both academia and extracurricular pursuits. His educational odyssey has taken him through various institutions, including Lincoln University, where he graduated with dual degrees in General Science and History at 18, a testament to his academic prowess before his historic achievement at Delaware State University.
Dr. Jalaal Hayes’ impact extends beyond the laboratory and classroom. Recognized as the Top Influential Chemist of the Year 2018 by the International Association of Top Professionals, he has also been a keynote speaker at prestigious conferences, including the Innovative Applied Energy Conference at the University of Oxford. His TEDx talk, “The Chemistry of Community Building,” underscores his commitment to bridging the gap between science and society.
1) Can you walk us through the pivotal moments and experiences that shaped your academic trajectory, from your early years in North Philadelphia to earning dual degrees at Lincoln University and ultimately obtaining a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry? Can you tell us about the important moments in your academic journey, from your early years in North Philadelphia to earning dual degrees at Lincoln University and ultimately obtaining a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry?
Growing up in North Philadelphia, I seen the challenges of poverty and inner-city life. However, my parents and certain teachers believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my education. They helped me to develop a love for reading, learning, and thinking that has stayed with me throughout my life.
During my time at Lincoln University, I took advantage of research projects a to gain experience in the field of chemistry and history (my second major). This helped me to solidify my career goals and prepare for my future.
After earning my dual degrees, I continued my education and earned a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry. Though challenging, I was determined to succeed and had mentors and a legendary advisor to support me.
Looking back on my academic journey, I am grateful for the experiences that shaped me into who I am today. My perseverance and dedication to my education have paid off in countless ways.
2) Could you share some insights into your work in the Center for Hydrogen Storage Research (CHSR) and the impact of your research on hydrogen storage materials?
During my tenure at the CHSR, I was fortunate to learn the importance of hydrogen for clean energy and overall climate change. With a passion for chemistry and the determination to solve the climate change challenge, I was fortunate to develop a novel material that can significantly and efficiently store large amounts of hydrogen gas for energy and agricultural applications. From that experience, I was motivated to start a clean energy startup to assist in developing the hydrogen value chain.
3) Your commitment to making science accessible is evident through your roles as an educator and the founder of Elyte Universal Network. How do you envision the intersection of chemistry and education contributing to broader STEM accessibility and engagement?
Chemistry plays a vital role in STEM education, and its intersection with education can contribute significantly to broader STEM accessibility and engagement. By incorporating chemistry into educational curricula, students can better understand the world around them, including how things work and interact with each other at the molecular level. By providing students with hands-on experience and access to the latest technology, chemistry education can help foster critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and scientific curiosity. This can encourage more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.
4) What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you perceive your role in inspiring future generations in the field of chemistry and STEM?
I am thankful for the honor and recognition. My role is to serve as a beacon of light and an example of what you can do if given an opportunity in STEM, specifically chemistry. To me, a chemist is like an alchemist in ancient times, where it was believed that they could turn anything into gold. That is how I look at my career. With my talents, gifts, and skills, I look for ways to turn my experiences into something that has value for any community I engage with.
5) Can you elaborate on the importance of community building in the context of your work and the broader scientific community?
Based on my perspective, community building is finding a way to connect the skills and talents of others to serve a greater purpose in their lives and the overall community. For example, in chemistry, we look at a pharmaceutical drug as a way to solve necessary pain and/ or problems with a specific organ in the body. The pharmaceutical drug, however, is made of a chain of compounds connected together in order to be a solution to this problem. Imagine if people connected like a chain of compounds to solve problems like world hunger, energy demand, clean water management, and many other problems within the science community and other communities.
6) From your appointment as an educator in Philadelphia to becoming a tenure-track Assistant Professor at Lincoln University, how has your transition into academia influenced your approach to teaching and research?
My transition into academia has enabled me to approach teaching and research with unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness through my innovative approach to exploratory and experiential learning.
