Alán Aspuru-Guzik, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, doesn't hesitate to challenge, push boundaries, and question. His relentless drive, creativity, and tenacity have earned him the prestigious title of Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Alán's office, aglow with bright blues and yellows, reflects the Professor's colorful, unpredictable approach, one that complements his efforts to tackle some of the most abstract problems in quantum computing and chemistry.

According to the AAAS, the title "Fellow" recognizes scholars for "contributions to science and technology, scientific leadership and extraordinary achievements across disciplines." Prolific and tireless, Alán fulfills these qualities and, not one for boxes, appends some of his own.

In research, Alán applies quantum computing to chemical calculations and studies charge transfer in materials used for renewable energy. He hunts for new molecules to improve organic solar cells and has designed a molecule for the first organic batteries. 

The bacteria Chlorobaculum tepidum (Cba. Tepidum), in the first demonstration of the modification of energy levels within living biological systems using a photonic structure

Outside the lab, Alán developed a free, online course on quantum mechanics ("The Quantum World"), founded the Harvard Clean Energy Project, runs 5Ks with lab members, and enlivens a growing community of chemists on Twitter.

Poised at the interface of chemistry, applied mathematics, computer science, and physics, Alán weaves interdisciplinary talent to address intractable problems and birth trenchant ideas.

A strong proponent of open access, Alán believes that "Ultimately, our goal should be advancing scientific progress. Having journals available to everybody in the world really maximizes the impact of our science." Fortified with passion and resolve, Alán's impact will no doubt reach new and distant frontiers.