From Atoms to Innovation:  The Science and Impact of Separating Rare Earth Materials

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Lecture

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemically similar metals that play essential roles in modern technology. From the magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicles to advanced electronics and defense applications, these elements underpin the transition to clean energy and the functioning of high-tech society. Yet their very similarity, which makes them invaluable in use, also makes them notoriously difficult to separate and purify.

Rare earth element separations have a distinguished history at Ames National Laboratory, where pioneering work during the Manhattan Project first established methods for isolating strategic materials. That legacy continues to resonate today, as rare earths once again occupy a central role in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national security.

This lecture will trace the evolution of rare earth separation science, beginning with Ames National Laboratory’s historic contributions and extending to current advances that address today’s pressing needs. Recent efforts by collaborative teams at Ames Lab and ISU are developing new strategies that integrate molecular-level insight with innovative separation techniques. These approaches aim to improve selectivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By situating present-day research within this broader arc, the lecture will highlight how separation science continues to bridge fundamental chemistry and global impact.

Jared L. Anderson is the Alice Hudson Professor of Chemistry at Iowa State University and a faculty scientist at Ames Laboratory. He earned his Ph.D. from ISU in 2005 and then spent a decade at the University of Toledo before returning to ISU in 2015. A recognized leader in separation science, Anderson has received numerous honors including the NSF CAREER Award, ACS Young Investigator Award, and inclusion in The Analytical Scientist’s “Top 40 under 40” and “Top 100 Analytical Scientists Worldwide” lists. He has published over 180 peer-reviewed articles, holds six patents, and serves on multiple editorial boards, currently as editor of the Journal of Chromatography A.

This lecture recording can be found on the Available Recordings page approximately two business days after the event and will remain accessible for three weeks.