In Memoriam: Elaine Ackles Chandler

Elaine joined Berkeley Lab in 2004 as Program Development and Strategic Planning Manager in the Materials Sciences Division, bringing a wealth of expertise and a collaborative spirit that would define her years at the Lab.

Prior to Berkeley Lab, Elaine spent much of her career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she developed and managed basic science programs supporting national defense technologies. She earned her Ph.D. in physics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1981, following studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Tufts University.

At Berkeley Lab, Elaine played a pivotal role in advancing the Lab’s efforts in artificial photosynthesis. Under her leadership, what began as a small collection of research groups grew into a large, interdisciplinary collaboration. In less than a decade, the team drove sunlight-to-hydrogen conversion efficiencies close to their theoretical limits—an achievement that helped establish the field’s scientific foundation.

Beginning in 2005, Elaine’s exceptional ability to connect people and ideas brought together researchers from the Materials Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Physical Biosciences Divisions, along with partners on the UC Berkeley campus. Her talent for building teams across chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering led to the launch of the Helios Solar Energy Research Center in 2008—the first DOE-funded center of its kind in the nation. With no established model for such a multidisciplinary effort, Elaine’s resourcefulness and steady leadership were critical to Helios’ success. She skillfully managed complex programmatic and administrative demands while maintaining strong relationships with DOE management, advisory boards, and external collaborators.

Elaine was also known for her warmth and wit. She often used humor or a well-timed observation to bring levity to challenging moments.

In 2009, when the opportunity arose to compete for a DOE Solar Fuels Hub—a $125 million partnership with California Institute of Technology—Elaine’s experience coordinating large, complex proposals proved indispensable. Her creative and strategic approach helped secure the winning proposal for the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) in 2010.

Following the award, Elaine played a central role in launching JCAP, overseeing logistics that ranged from establishing temporary research space in West Berkeley to planning what would become Chu Hall. She also ensured that researchers had timely access to key DOE user facilities, including the Advanced Light Source, the Molecular Foundry, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center. The center’s scientific success led to renewal in 2015, and work continues today in the Liquid Sunlight Alliance, supported by DOE’s Energy Innovation Hubs program.

Elaine’s legacy lives on through these enduring scientific contributions and through the many colleagues she brought together, mentored, and inspired.

A memorial brunch reception will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. at Sunset View Mortuary. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to RSVP via the provided link.