Gorodetsky obtained bachelor's degrees in engineering physics and materials science at Cornell University and a doctorate in chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. He subsequently completed postdoctoral work as an NSF American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellow at Columbia University. His current research is focused on the development of macromolecular and biomolecular materials inspired by natural systems. His work has been featured in Popular Science, The Telegraph, Wired, IHS Jane’s International Defence Review, NPR Marketplace, CNN, BBC and other popular media. Gorodetsky has also received several awards, including the Samueli Faculty Career Development Fellowship, the Air Force Young Investigator Award and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.