Professor Donald R. Sadoway
EngSci 7T2, MMS MASc 7T3, MMS PhD 7T7
Identified as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2012 by TIME, the magazine captured Don’s passion for energy storage research and students this way: “In a battery, I strive to maximize electrical potential. When mentoring, I strive to maximize human potential.”
Armed with a U of T Metallurgy & Material Science doctoral degree in 1977, Don was able translate a fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) into an Assistant Professor posting in less than a year.
In his 35 years as a brilliant and innovative teacher at MIT, he has never lost his interest in sharing with first-year students. He taught Introduction to Solid State Chemistry countless times and generously shared his insights and advice on undergraduate curriculum as a member — and later chair — of U of T’s Materials Science & Engineering Advisory Board. He has also presented lectures about his teaching practices to U of T Engineering faculty.
Don’s research into the use of liquid metal and molten salt in batteries to more effectively store renewable energy is what captured TIME’s attention. He developed the battery with a student team and the success of their work was the subject of a TED conference lecture he gave in 2012. The video of his chalkboard talk has been viewed over 1.5 million times.
Selected Achievements:
- Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, TIME magazine, 2012
- The Missing Link to Renewable Energy, TED Conference Lecture, 2012
- Keynote Lecturer, Engineering Science Education Conference (ESEC), 2012
- Professional Development Award for Research on Grid-Level Energy Storage, Lightspeed Venture Partners, 2009, 2011
- Edward Moore Baker Memorial Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, MIT, 2004
- John F. Elliott Chair in Materials Chemistry, MIT, 1999–present
- Bose Award for Teaching, School of Engineering, MIT 1997
- MIT Graduate Student Council Teaching Award, 1982, 1984, 1987, 1988 and 1993