Ilenia Battiato

Ilenia Battiato is an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy Science & Engineering at Stanford University. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization and faculty roles at Clemson University, San Diego State University, and Stanford.

• PhD in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego (2010)
• MSc in Engineering Physics, UC San Diego (2008)
• 5-year Laurea in Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy (2005, Summa cum Laude)

Her research focuses on energy and environmental systems using multiscale modeling and effective medium theories to address challenges in:

• Battery systems and thermal runaway analysis
• Superhydrophobic surfaces for drag reduction
• Carbon sequestration and geologic hydrogen storage
• Reactive transport in fractured media
• Membrane distillation optimization

Recent publications highlight her work on machine learning-enhanced porous media modeling and hybrid simulation frameworks across 2025-2023. She has advised over 10 doctoral students and serves as a referee for 12 major scientific journals.

Key scientific recognitions include:

• Department of Energy Young Investigator Award (2015)
• Eastman Chemical Excellence Award (2013)
• ‘Aci e Galatea’ Career Award, Italy (2012)
• Outstanding Student Paper Award, AGU (2008)

As an academic leader, she:

• Organizes sessions at top conferences (AGU, Interpore)
• Develops innovative courses on Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer (ENERGY 297) and Mass and Energy Transport in Porous Media (ENERGY 120)
• Chairs doctoral research (ENERGY 363) and supervises undergraduate energy projects (ENERGY 193)