Jessi's research bridges material science, electron microscopy and catalysis, and seeks to formulate general design principles to stimulate a transition from empirical to rational design of more efficient catalytic materials. Her overall approach relies on i) colloidal design of catalysts with well-defined structural properties, ii) “looking” at these materials under operating conditions using in situ electron microscopy, and iii) testing them in selective hydrogenation and oxidation catalysis. Her team has a strong focus on core-shell nanoparticle catalysts, a novel, emerging class of catalytic materials with strongly enhanced catalytic performances compared to their monometallic and alloyed counterparts. Using these core-shell catalysts, her team aims to contribute an unconventional and impactful research line towards cleaner chemical conversions.