Richard May
CTO, Standard Potential
Richard May joins the Breakthrough Energy Fellows program from Standard Potential Co. in New York. He brings over a decade of experience working on batteries and electrochemistry, including a formative tenure on the Tesla Cell Quality team, where he validated the Model 3 cell chemistry. As Chief Technology Officer, Richard is responsible for the research and technology development of Standard Potential’s sodium-ion battery systems.
Standard Potential’s sodium-ion innovations eliminate critical bottlenecks in existing terawatt-hour-scale battery manufacturing infrastructure while leveraging sustainable and abundant materials. Through the Fellows program, the company aims to scale its cell-level technology into deployable systems, reducing both the capital and mineral intensity of clean energy storage.
Richard holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University, where he developed next-generation battery technologies such as lithium metal anodes and high-voltage cathode materials. Previously, Richard has worked on developing perovskite tandem solar cells at Stanford University and qualifying battery materials at Tesla.
Q&A
Who has had the greatest impact on your career path?
My parents were both scientists and I owe them greatly for engaging my intellectual curiosity from a young age. I also credit: Dr. Christopher Hogue, high school research mentor; Prof. Michael McGehee, undergraduate advisor; Dr. Steve He, Tesla supervisor; Prof. Lauren Marbella, PhD advisor; and Prof. Dan Steingart, postdoc and company advisor.
What is the most impactful book that you have read?
I recently read and have been talking too much about “The Power Broker” by Robert Caro, a biography of Robert Moses–arguably the world’s most accomplished infrastructure builder, but also one who displaced impoverished minorities and uprooted communities to complete his projects. As a leader, this serves as a deeply cautionary tale to: 1. Never lose sight of who you’re trying to help, and 2. Always make time to listen to your stakeholders.
Share a fun fact about yourself
I am a former competitive swimmer and water polo player and am currently training for a triathlon.
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