Travis Baughman

Travis Baughman received his Ph.D. in Organic and Polymer Chemistry from the University of Florida and has a bachelor of science in Textile, Fiber, and Polymer Chemistry from Clemson University. He served as a post-doctoral fellow in the Netherlands at the Technical University of Eindhoven, working with E.W. "Bert" Meijer. Throughout his education and post-doc, Travis worked on many research projects including liquid crystalline amine-epoxy networks, fully-organic photonic crystal hydrogels, designer polyolefins via olefin metathesis polymerizations, regioregular polyolefin ionomers, and modular supramolecular hydrogels for biomedical applications. These experiences resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and patents across a wide range of technologies.

Upon entering industry with Royal DSM, a Dutch company, he worked on various materials projects as chemist and engineer in the corporate labs, as well as product and application development roles focused on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and various engineering plastics from elastomeric polyesters to high temperature nylons. He ended his service as global research manager focusing on change management and application development portfolio management.  

More recently, he has focused on independent consulting dealing with materials development projects and research management functions, while also plugging in to various nonprofit groups working on the global plastic waste dilemma and ocean cleanup. 

As of September 2024, he joined Zero Carbon Systems as VP of Materials Science focusing on direct air capture technology development and deployment.

Travis is a Fellow of the American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry (ACS POLY) and recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the division for efforts as Chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board.