Kara Fong

Kara Fong is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. She joined Caltech in June 2025 after serving as a Schmidt Science Fellow and Trinity College Junior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge. Her PhD (2022) from UC Berkeley focused on ion transport theory in Li-ion batteries.

Her research integrates molecular simulations and statistical mechanics to study electrochemical systems, emphasizing sustainable energy storage (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors) and water treatment processes like desalination. The Fong Lab uses multi-scale approaches, combining molecular dynamics, quantum chemistry, and machine learning to address fundamental questions in ion transport and electrochemical interface behavior.

Recent work highlights include investigating proton behavior at graphene-water interfaces, surface charging in hexagonal boron nitride, and ion pairing in nanoconfined electrolytes. These studies contribute to improving battery performance and water purification technologies.

Dr. Fong has received the Battery Division Student Research Award (2020) and actively contributes to pedagogical innovations, including improving graduate teaching courses to enhance inclusive education practices. Her lab’s interdisciplinary focus bridges computational theory with practical applications in clean energy and environmental science.