This article is part of a series featuring Q&As with Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI)-affiliated researchers. It was originally published on the ROSEI website.
Next up is Ive Hermans, who was recently announced as the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Chemical Transformations in the Whiting School of Engineering’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences’ Department of Chemistry. He is a ROSEI core faculty member and a member of the institute’s leadership council.
- How did you first get involved with or learn about sustainability?
Ive Hermans
Already as a student, I was inspired by the powerful integration of science and engineering to improve the quality of life for as many people as possible, not only today, but for future generations as well. Sustainability sits right at that intersection.
What has shaped my thinking is the recognition that there is no single breakthrough or silver bullet that will solve all challenges. Real progress requires people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise working together toward the same goal. That is part of what makes this field both so challenging but also exciting.
- Why are you still passionate about sustainability and the energy transition?
It can be challenging to stay passionate on a day-to-day basis because energy transitions unfold over decades, not months or years. That can make progress feel slow at times. But whenever I feel discouraged, I remind myself of what humanity has already achieved. We have lifted millions of people out of poverty and expanded access to energy in places where it was once out of reach.
I believe that progress matters, even if we’re slowly moving the needle, and show what is possible – every day, consistently. There is still a great deal of work to do in tackling the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability – and that is exactly why it is so important to keep moving forward and to keep educating the next generation so they can build on what has already been accomplished.
- How does your commitment to sustainability play out in your everyday life?
On a personal level, I try to focus on small decisions that can still make a difference, turning off lights, lowering the thermostat when I leave a room, and being mindful of waste, for example. These are not dramatic actions, but they reflect an important mindset.
Being aware that your individual choices matter, even in modest ways, can go a long way. Sustainability is not only about major technological change; it is also about building habits and awareness into everyday life and being an example to future generations – at home, at work, and in our communities.
- Tell us about your research and what aspects currently or in the future tie into sustainable energy efforts?
My research focuses on developing more efficient ways to produce energy carriers and building-block chemicals while using fewer resources, consuming less energy, and generating less waste. At its core, the work is about showing that sustainability and economic value do not have to be at odds when processes are designed thoughtfully.
I am also very passionate about collaborating with industry to make sure research is practical and scalable. As companies implement more stringent capital discipline, academia is playing an increasingly important role in driving innovation. That makes it essential to balance fundamental research with real-world constraints and to connect various disciplines like economics and policy, to translate discoveries into solutions that can have a meaningful impact.
- Is there an article, book or podcast that people can check out to help better understand the area you work in or your specific work?
I would highly recommend people interested in this area to follow the American Chemical Society Journal “Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering” where I serve as an associate editor. We publish the latest developments in the field, ranging from low carbon fuels to improvements in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
- What advice or suggestions do you have for students who want to pursue careers in sustainable energy?
Always return to the basic engineering science concepts when evaluating whether an idea makes sense. One of the first principles students learn is energy and mass balance. In simple terms, that means understanding how much energy and material go into a process and what comes out of it.
It sounds obvious, but it is surprising how often even experienced engineers overlook the basics. My advice to students is to never lose sight of them. By grounding exciting ideas in solid fundamentals, you can channel your time and effort toward concepts with real potential.
- Why did you choose to join the Hopkins sustainable energy community?
One major reason was the clear ambition at JHU to strengthen sustainable energy research at Hopkins. That kind of momentum was something I was very eager to be part of.
Johns Hopkins also has a distinct advantage in terms of location. The energy transition will not happen through science alone; policy plays a critical role, and so do the funding agencies based in Washington, D.C. Being close by makes it much easier to build personal relationships and stay engaged in those conversations.
In addition to excellent students and resources, there were already dream colleagues at JHU in my area, including Michael Tsapatsis, Brandon Bukowski, Paulette Clancy and Chao Wang, amongst many others. Put all of that together, and it was a very compelling combination.
I am looking forward to working with all these people and am excited to see what the future will bring if we all team up.