Dr. Dhananjay Dileep
Dr. Dhananjay Dileep is a recent Ph. D. graduate from Iowa State University (ISU) and founder of imPETus— a startup dedicated to commercializing the Chemical recycling of PET. As lead researcher on a DOE polyester recycling project, he pioneered several novel formulations of easily recyclable PET copolymers and discovered a uniquely rapid solvolysis process for legacy bottle-grade PET resins. As lead inventor on the related patents, his 4 years’ experience in project leadership, experimental design, data analysis, stakeholder communication, and technical expertise in polyester recycling and synthesis uniquely positions him to drive the technical development.
Team Capabilities
Dr. Eric Cochran
Dr. Eric Cochran, co-founder and technical advisor to ImPETus, is a driving force behind our innovative solutions. Holding the Mary Jane Skogen Hagenson and Randy L. Hagenson Professorship in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU), he combines 25+ years of polymer science expertise with a proven track record of translating research into real-world impact. With 160+ peer-reviewed publications, 43 issued and 42 pending patents, Dr. Cochran's contributions are significant. Notably, his experience in commercializing new bio-based and degradable thermoplastics and co-founding 5 ISU startups demonstrates his strategic vision, which is crucial to ImPETus’ market entry and growth. His early career achievements were also recognized by awards such as the NSF CAREER award and the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation New Faculty Award.
Dr. Michael Forrester
Dr. Michael Forrester brings a strong scientific background to our team. As a research scientist at Iowa State University (ISU), working under Dr. Eric Cochran, he has 10 years of experience in polymer chemistry and polymer processing, with a focus on novel bio-derived monomers and their subsequent polymers. Dr. Forrester's contributions to the field are significant, with 34 peer-reviewed articles and his role as a co-inventor on 14 granted and 23 pending patents. His entrepreneurial spirit is demonstrated by his co-founding of 3 ISU startups, showcasing his ability to address real-world plastics-related manufacturing and technical challenges, a valuable asset for scaling innovations at imPETus.