Ryan Ravenelle: From Chemical Engineering to Lithium Innovation

Ryan Ravenelle: From Chemical Engineering to Lithium Innovation

From Edutainment Learning by Ralph Krauss

April 28, 2026 · 28 min · Season 1 · Episode 215

About this episode

Students interview Dr. Ryan about his journey in chemical engineering and lithium innovation.

What does it take to turn science into the technologies that power our future? In this episode of Edutainment Learning, students from around the world interview Dr. Ryan, Technical Director of the Lithium Americas Technical Center, about his journey from growing up in Carson City, Nevada to becoming a leader in chemical engineering and energy technology. Dr. Ryan earned his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Nevada and later completed his PhD at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he focused on catalyst design and converting biomass into fuels and chemicals. Since then, he has worked in research, development, and process engineering, helping advance technologies that support modern energy production. Today, he leads a team focused on process development, optimization, and next-generation technologies related to lithium—one of the most important materials powering batteries, electric vehicles, and the clean energy transition. Are you an educator? Go to edutainmentlearning.com/podcasts to download student worksheets for every episode!

People in this episode

Host: Ralph Krauss

Guest: Dr. Ryan

Topics covered

  • chemical engineering
  • lithium innovation
  • energy technology
  • education
  • interview

Keywords

  • lithium
  • batteries
  • electric vehicles
  • clean energy
  • chemical engineering
  • biomass
  • catalyst design

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lithium Americas Technical Center, University of Nevada, Georgia Institute of Technology

Places: Carson City, Nevada

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