Biography
Jacob Trevino is the Senior Director of the Columbia Nano Initiative (CNI) Labs at Columbia University, where he leads a world-class shared research environment supporting interdisciplinary advances in nanoscience and engineering. He focuses on strengthening lab operations, fostering collaboration, and enabling researchers to drive discovery across disciplines.
He also serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Chemeleon, a Brooklyn-based startup developing next-generation colorimetric sensors for medical, environmental, and food applications. At Chemeleon, he directs R&D strategy and core technology development, advancing devices that merge nanotechnology, photonics, and molecular recognition.
Jacob previously served as Nanofabrication Facility Director at the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, and the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, where he led multimillion-dollar cleanroom operations and research programs supporting hundreds of academic and industrial users.
As Founder and President of Nanotech NYC, he has built a community that connects researchers, students, and entrepreneurs across the region, promoting collaboration and accessibility within the nanotechnology field.
Jacob’s work bridges academia, industry, and community, with a focus on advancing impactful science and creating ecosystems where breakthrough ideas can thrive. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Boston University and teaches graduate courses in micro- and nano-fabrication at Columbia University.