David Okawa
About David Okawa
David Okawa serves as the VP of Products at Redwood Materials, where he leads the development of battery anode copper foil with an emphasis on sustainability. He has extensive experience in the renewable energy and pharmaceutical sectors, having held various engineering and research roles at SunPower Corporation and other organizations.
Current Role at Redwood Materials
David Okawa serves as the Vice President of Products at Redwood Materials since 2021. In this role, he leads initiatives focused on the development of battery anode copper foil, emphasizing sustainability and cost efficiency. His expertise in electroplating is vital for the advancement of battery anodes, contributing to the company's mission of creating a sustainable supply chain for battery materials.
Previous Experience at SunPower Corporation
Okawa held multiple positions at SunPower Corporation from 2010 to 2021. He began as a Staff Engineer and progressed to roles including Engineering Director for Module Product Development and Sr. Director of R&D. His work involved optimizing and integrating photovoltaic technologies with mechanical and electrical systems, enhancing product performance and reliability.
Educational Background
David Okawa studied at Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from 2000 to 2004. He then attended the University of California, Berkeley, achieving a PhD in Chemistry and Physics from 2005 to 2010. His education provided a strong foundation for his expertise in electroplating and failure analysis.
Internship Experience in Medicinal Chemistry
Okawa gained early experience in the pharmaceutical field through internships at Genentech and Roche Pharmaceuticals. He worked as a Medicinal Chemistry Intern at Genentech in 2002 and at Roche in 2004, each for a duration of two months. These internships contributed to his understanding of chemistry in a practical context.
Research Experience at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs
David Okawa worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs from 2004 to 2010. This six-year experience allowed him to deepen his research skills and knowledge in chemistry, further supporting his academic and professional development in the field.