Jeff Snyder received his B.S. in physics, chemistry and mathematics at Cornell University and his Ph.D. in applied physics from Stanford University (1997) where he was a Hertz Fellow. He was a senior member of the technical staff at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for 9 years (1997-2006). His research interests include Solid State Chemistry, Physics and Engineering of electronic, magnetic and energy materials. His current research focuses on Thermoelectric Materials and Devices.

Since joining JPL/Caltech in 1997, Dr. Snyder has been investigating novel thermoelectric materials focusing recently on complex Zintl phases, and nanometer scale structures. He has developed the concept of thermoelectric compatibility for design and optimization of segmented generators, and he has developed empirical and analytical models for calculating thermoelectric performance. He is especially interested in thermoelectric properties of materials above room temperature. He has developed capabilities for measurements of Seebeck coefficient (Thermoelectric Power), electrical resistivity, Hall effect, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity up to 1000 degrees C.

At JPL, using electrochemistry and low-cost microfabrication techniques, he has developed the fabrication process and testing of thermoelectric microdevices. He has also designed and tested portable power sources for terrestrial and space applications.

Dr. Snyder's previous areas of research include Colossal Magnetoresistance materials and Metallic Ferromagnets (Stanford University) which involved materials synthesis, thin film deposition, and design, automation and analysis of electronic and magnetic measurements. At the Max Planck Institut für Festkörperrperforschung, Stuttgart, Germany (1992-93) he studied Intermetallic, Sub-nitride, and C60 intercalation solid state chemistry. At Cornell (1990-91) he studied chalchogenides.

Dr. Snyder has been lecturer for MTE 208 Electronic Materials at Cal Poly Pomona