Kaitlyn VanSant

Kaitlyn VanSant is a Researcher III in the Chemistry and Nanoscience department at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), focusing on advanced solar cell technologies for terrestrial and space applications. Her work spans materials science, reliability testing, and tandem photovoltaic device development.

• PhD in Materials Science from Colorado School of Mines
• MS in Physics from Portland State University
• BS in Physics-Astronomy from Whitman College

Her research interests include:

• Reliability of perovskite-on-silicon tandem devices
• III-V and perovskite solar cells for space environments
• Light-induced degradation in silicon materials
• Low-temperature fabrication techniques
• Thermal performance optimization in orbital conditions
• Hybrid tandem photovoltaic systems

Recent publications highlight her expertise in perovskite solar cells for space missions (e.g., Geosynchronous Orbit, International Space Station) and III-V semiconductor device design. She has published extensively on tandem cell architecture, surface science, and environmental testing.

• NASA Postdoc Program Fellowship

She collaborates with NASA's Glenn Research Center and has contributed to 30+ research outputs over her career, including peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and conference posters.