Ertan Agar

Ertan Agar serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell. He leads the Electrochemical Energy Systems and Transport Laboratory (E2STL), focusing on advancing flow-assisted electrochemical systems for energy and water applications.

Dr. Agar earned his educational credentials through a rigorous academic path: BS in Mechanical Engineering (2007), MS in Mechanical Engineering (2010), and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics (2014), all from Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, except for his doctorate which was completed at Drexel University in Philadelphia. His doctoral dissertation investigated species transport mechanisms governing capacity fade in vanadium redox flow batteries.

Dr. Agar's research spans electrochemical energy conversion and storage, with particular expertise in redox flow batteries, capacitive deionization, mass/charge transport phenomena, and electrochemical reaction kinetics. His work addresses critical challenges in grid-scale energy storage and water treatment technologies, with recent publications exploring innovative approaches to energy storage systems, hydrogen generation, and decarbonization strategies for regional power systems.

His publication record shows a consistent trajectory of high-impact research in electrochemical energy systems, with recent work expanding into regional energy system analysis for New England. The publications demonstrate expertise across fundamental electrochemistry, materials science, system engineering, and practical applications for sustainable energy and water solutions.

• Acorn Innovation Award for Mushroom-Inspired Vanadium Extraction Project

Dr. Agar mentors several graduate students including Sergio Freeman (who recently passed his Ph.D. proposal defense), Shabdiki, Eylül, and Dan. He has secured significant funding including an NSF project titled 'Collaborative Research: Designing Solid Boosters and Electrolytes for Redox-Targeting Flow Batteries' (Award Abstract #2329651). His research group actively participates in major conferences including the ECS meetings, where they present advancements in redox-mediated flow systems and battery technologies.

The Electrochemical Energy Systems and Transport Laboratory (E2STL) serves as the hub for Dr. Agar's research activities, focusing on designing and developing flow-assisted electrochemical systems to address global challenges in energy and water applications. The lab has produced significant advancements in redox flow battery technology, capacitive deionization, and related electrochemical systems.