February 10, 2025
By Chloe Arrington

Jordan Kocher, a recent Ph.D. graduate of the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, has been awarded the Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The Director's Fellowship pairs outstanding scientists, engineers, and analysts who have earned their doctorate within the past two years with NREL mentors to propose and conduct innovative clean energy research.

"It's an honor to have been selected for this fellowship, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work on impactful research with the nation's leading experts in renewable energy and building technologies," said Kocher.

NREL selects fellows in three disciplines: scientists, engineers, and analysts, based on eligibility, program expectations, and research proposals, with overriding consideration for the quality of the candidate. Fellows serve two-year terms, with a possible third-year renewal paid with program funding.

Co-advised by Assistant Professor Akanksha Menon and Professor Shannon Yee , Kocher's research involved the development of a new thermodynamic cycle using thermally responsive materials. These materials absorb moisture at room temperature and separate from water when heated above a temperature known as the lower critical solution temperature. He explored using these materials for air conditioning, absorbing moisture from indoor air to provide dehumidification and evaporating the separated water to provide cooling.

Kocher was drawn to the field of thermodynamics during his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, coupled with a particular interest in air conditioning. He first studied thermally responsive materials while pursuing his master's degree and wanted to continue researching them while pursuing his Ph.D. because so much of their behavior had yet to be explored.

"I'm looking forward to this fellowship as it will help me not only broaden my research horizons but will also allow me to see what it's like working at a national lab and gain experience and perspectives outside of academia," said Kocher.

Kocher's advisors also see this as perfect fit for him while he explores the career possibilities ahead. 

“The NREL Director’s Fellowship is a tremendous honor and will propel Jordan's professional career to new heights. He will be working with leaders like Jason Wood on next generation dehumidification technologies,” said Yee.

“This postdoctoral fellowship has been Jordan’s dream, and it is the perfect next step in his quest to develop technologies that decarbonize energy use in buildings. I am very excited for him and look forward to seeing the great things he accomplishes at NREL,” said Menon.

Kocher looks forward to gaining insight into his future goals during his postdoctoral work. "I'm still figuring out whether I want to pursue a career in academia, at a national lab, or even perhaps with a startup. I think this fellowship will help me determine which of these paths is best for me and give me the skills and experience I need to succeed in any of these careers."

While preparing for this new stage, Kocher reflects fondly on his time at Georgia Tech, citing his time as an instructor for ME 3322 - Thermodynamics as one of the most impactful and rewarding experiences. 

"It was great to see the impact I had on students while sharing my love for thermodynamics," said Kocher. "I'm especially appreciative of all my students who attended my dissertation defense virtually and in person."