Leanne Gilbertson

Dr. Gilbertson's research focuses on sustainable design of emerging materials and products. She integrates molecular design and systems-level analysis to advance minimally impactful, high performing solutions that address today’s most pressing challenges at the intersection of environmental and public health.

Prior to joining Duke in 2023, Dr. Gilbertson was an Associate Professor and the Fulton C. Noss Faculty Fellow in the CEE Department at the University of Pittsburgh. She completed a postdoc in the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University and holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Yale University's Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Gilbertson received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in education from Hamilton College, after which she spent several years as a secondary school teacher before returning to graduate school. Her background and experiences underline the interdisciplinary research program she leads.

Dr. Gilbertson’s research projects involve designing materials to advance sustainable development of solutions to drinking water treatment, food production, and antimicrobial resistant challenges. Her research has been recognized and is supported by the National Science Foundation, including the CAREER award, 3M non-tenured faculty award, and the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. She was also a Gordon and Betty Moore Inventor Fellow finalist.