Army veteran and Texas A&M chemistry Ph.D. student powers up battery materials research

Evan Fox, a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Texas A&M Chemistry Department, continues to push the boundaries of battery materials. His research, conducted in the Pentzer Lab under the guidance of Dr. Emily Pentzer, professor and Presidential Impact Fellow, focuses on redox-active polymers—special materials made of long molecular chains that can pass electrons from one part to another, allowing them to store and release energy. His work could play a significant role in making battery materials more efficient and long-lasting, keeping energy flowing longer than ever before. 

“We’re trying to understand how electrons move through these polymers and how their structure affects their physical and electrochemical properties,” Fox said. “The goal isn’t necessarily to replace lithium-ion batteries, which are incredibly efficient, but to find alternative materials that could reduce the demand for traditional battery components.” 

This work matters because, despite their effectiveness, lithium-ion batteries come with a host of challenges. The materials required to produce them are expensive, often harmful to the environment, and in some cases linked to human rights issues in the mining industry. By developing new polymer-based materials, Fox and his collaborators hope to create batteries that are more sustainable, flexible and cost-effective.

“There’s a conservation and economic component to this,” Fox explained. “If we can find polymers that act as electrodes in certain applications, we can ease the demand for lithium and other scarce resources.” 

Fox’s research is a team effort alongside the Tabor and Lutkenhaus groups at Texas A&M. His role involves designing and creating these innovative polymers, using advanced methods to control the spacing between the redox units—the parts responsible for passing electrons along the chain. The team has already published its findings in respected scientific journals, including a recent study, Charge Transfer in Spatially Defined Organic Radical Polymers, and has more papers on the way. 

Before jumping into chemistry, Fox was busy jumping out of airplanes. He served in the U.S. Army, a decision he credits with changing his life. Joining midway through his undergraduate studies at La Salle University, Fox sought the discipline and structure he felt he was missing. As a paratrooper stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, he served in the 82nd Airborne Division and even deployed to Afghanistan in 2017. 

“I actually have a fear of heights, so earning my jump wings and becoming a paratrooper was a huge confidence boost,” he said. “It taught me how to face my fears head-on.”

Despite the challenges and injuries he sustained—including shoulder reconstruction and knee surgery—Fox wouldn’t trade his time in the Army for anything. Serving in the infantry and airborne took a toll on his body, with the high-impact demands and heavy gear leading to common knee, back, and shoulder issues. His shoulder and knee injuries were likely the result of overuse, while his only specific jump-related injury was a concussion in 2015. Still, for Fox, the wear and tear was a small price to pay for the experience.

 “Joining the Army was the best decision I ever made,” he said. “It gave me direction, discipline and some of my best friends.” 

After his time in the Army, Fox finished his chemistry degree and decided he wanted to turn his attention to research. When it came time to choose a graduate program, Fox had two criteria: warm weather and good barbecue. That led him to Texas A&M, where he found not only both of those but also a thriving chemistry community and a strong alumni network. 

“Texas A&M’s research budget and focus on applied organic chemistry and materials sealed the deal,” he said. 

His time at Texas A&M has brought unexpected joys. What began as a teaching requirement quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of his journey. He finds great fulfillment in mentoring students and helping them succeed. 

“Teaching really reminded me of my time in the Army, where there is a lot of emphasis placed on pushing people to do their best and supporting those placed under your direction,” he said. 

Many of his former students remain in touch, and as Fox looks ahead to defending his dissertation in May, he’s also preparing for another milestone—getting married this summer. As he anticipates the future, Fox hopes to take his skills into industry, potentially in oil and gas, commodity polymers or materials science. 

“I’m excited for what’s next,” he said. “But I’ll always be grateful for my time at Texas A&M and the experiences and people that got me here.”

By Texas A&M University College of Arts and Sciences

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