From Childhood Curiosity to Battery Chemist: Nick Irish’s Journey at GM
Nick Irish grew up with General Motors in his backyard—literally. His childhood home overlooked GM’s Milford Proving Ground, where he’d often stare out his bedroom window, captivated by the mystery beyond the fence.
When his high school class toured the facility, Irish was hooked. “I got in huge trouble for trying to take the tour twice,” he jokes.
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That early fascination fueled his path into science. After earning a chemistry degree from the University of Michigan, Irish joined GM in 2001, diving into R&D for fuel cells and EV batteries. Two decades later, he pivoted deeper into battery chemistry, a field he knew would define the future.
Now working at GM’s Warren Tech Center, Irish and his team operate in a state-of-the-art 5,500-square-foot battery chemistry lab.
Outfitted with CT scanners, microscopes, and glove boxes, the lab functions like an autopsy room for EV batteries—dissecting cells to understand their materials, performance, and how to improve them.
“Think of it like someone giving you a slice of pizza and asking you to break down and analyze the crust, sauce, and cheese separately,” Irish explains.
Using tools like thermal analysis and separation science, the team studies everything from microstructure to gas emissions, ensuring GM’s next-gen EVs deliver on performance and safety.
Irish is passionate not only about the science but its purpose. “Battery chemistry is no longer niche—it’s the engine behind the shift from combustion to electrification,” he says. “This isn’t just innovation for the sake of it. It’s about building a better world for my son and future generations.”
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