James Mitchell

James Mitchell has over 30 years of experience in various roles related to material science and analytical laboratory work. James currently serves as a Senior Fuel Cell Specialist in the Analytical Lab at Plug Power, where they support manufacturing, failure analysis, and new materials development. In this role, they are responsible for tasks such as physical characterization, metrology, chemical analysis, microscopy, as well as training new staff and installing and validating new equipment.

Prior to their current position, James worked as a Material Scientist/Staff at the URNano Fabrication Laboratory at the University of Rochester from 2015 to 2022. In this role, they oversaw and supported the operation of the laboratory, which involved using equipment such as physical layer deposition, lithography, reactive ion, atomic layer deposition equipment, and profilometers. The laboratory's mission was focused on training and supporting the next generation of researchers and industry professionals.

Before joining the University of Rochester, James served as a Process Control/Quality Specialist at Marking Tubing from 2013 to 2015. Here, they applied quality and control principles to 8 production lines and three manufacturing shifts, utilizing analytical, statistical, and quality tools to overcome manufacturing challenges.

From 2006 to 2013, James worked as a Material Scientist and Microscopist at Trison Engineering and GM. In this role, they were responsible for developing novel materials, conducting failure investigations, and performing physical and chemical testing of materials, components, and assemblies. James utilized techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal analysis, and particle size analysis to support development teams and a pilot manufacturing program.

Prior to Trison Engineering and GM, James served as a Principal Scientist at Purdue Pharma from 1991 to 2005. During their time there, they founded the physical characterization department and gained experience with 20 distinct instruments. James executed complex analytical investigations, helped select and deploy instrumentation on manufacturing lines, and played a crucial role in resolving research and manufacturing challenges.

At the beginning of their career, James worked as a Laboratory Director at Comprehensive Analytical from 1987 to 1990.

Overall, James Mitchell brings a wealth of experience in material science, analytical laboratory work, and quality control to the various roles they have held throughout their career.

James Mitchell attended SUNY Geneseo from 1981 to 1982, where they pursued a BA degree in Biology and Chemistry. James then transferred to SUNY ESF from 1983 to 1984, completing another BA degree in Biology with a concentration in Chemistry.