Samji Samira

Dr. Samji Samira is a Postdoctoral Scholar at UC Santa Barbara's Christopher Lab, affiliated with the College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2021) from Wayne State University, an M.S. (2015) from Carnegie Mellon University, and a B.S. (2013) from BMS College of Engineering.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Wayne State University (2021)
  • M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2015)
  • B.S. in Chemical Engineering, BMS College of Engineering (2013)

Her research focuses on electrocatalysis using non-stoichiometric mixed metal oxides for energy storage applications, particularly in Li-O2 batteries. She investigates surface reconstruction dynamics, redox-active site engineering, and solid-solid interfacial catalysis to enhance oxygen evolution/reduction performance and battery efficiency.

Her 15 most recent publications span 2017–2025, emphasizing oxygen evolution/reduction reactions, interface engineering, and non-precious metal oxide catalysts. Key themes include perovskite oxide design, CO desorption mechanisms, and iron's role in electrocatalytic activity.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Ralph H. Kummler Award (2021)
  • 2021 Summer Dissertation Award
  • Best Oral Presentation (2020)
  • AIChE CRE Travel Award (2020)
  • Catalysis Young Scientist Award (2020)
  • Dean's Travel Award (2020)
  • Competitive Graduate Research Assistant Award (2019)
  • Thomas C. Rumble Fellowship (2018)

As a postdoctoral researcher at Henley Hall, her work bridges fundamental surface chemistry with applied energy storage systems. She collaborates on projects related to nanostructured materials and heterogeneous electrocatalysis.