William Chueh is a Professor in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Energy Science & Engineering at Stanford University. He serves as Director of the Precourt Institute for Energy and Faculty Director of the Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies Program. His research focuses on redox-active materials for energy storage, conversion, and carbon-neutral energy cycles. Education: PhD, Materials Science, Caltech (2010) BS, Applied Physics, Caltech (2005) Research Interests: Energy storage and conversion systems (batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers) Multi-scale electrochemical and chemical reaction dynamics Materials design rules for redox-active solids Thermodynamic frameworks for sustainable energy Publication Trends: His work spans fundamental materials synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and modeling of redox reactions. Key themes include solar thermochemical cycles, ceria-based systems for CO2/H2O conversion, and advanced battery technologies. Scientific Honors: Outstanding Young Investigator Award (MRS, 2018) Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2016) Sloan Research Fellowship (2016) CAREER Award (NSF, 2015) Advising: He advises students in energy technologies, materials science, and electrochemistry, including doctoral and master’s candidates. Contact: wchueh@stanford.edu
Prof. Kai S. Exner is a Professor of Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen's Faculty of Chemistry and a member of the Zentrum für Medizinische Biotechnologie (ZMB). His research focuses on electrocatalysis , particularly optimizing electrode materials for energy applications such as batteries, electrolyzers, and fuel cells. He employs computational methods like ab initio calculations and microkinetic modeling to bridge theoretical insights with experimental and industrial applications, emphasizing sustainable catalyst design without relying on noble metals. His work integrates basic research with applied medical biotechnology through ZMB collaborations, though his primary affiliation lies in the Faculty of Chemistry. Exner has pioneered concepts like the electrochemical-step asymmetry index and free-energy span model, which are critical for screening electrocatalysts. His research group, 'Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry,' actively explores mechanisms behind oxygen and chlorine evolution reactions, emphasizing selectivity control and reaction pathway complexity. Exner received the Gottschalk-Diederich-Baedeker-Preis (2024) for advancing the energy transition through foundational electrocatalysis research. He leads Aktuelles Projekt funded by third-party grants and collaborates with facilities like the Analytics Core Facility Essen (ACE) and Imaging Center Campus Essen (ICCE). His advisory role focuses on guiding theoretical and computational approaches in electrochemistry, and he has established a reputation for interdisciplinary research connecting computational chemistry with practical energy solutions.
Karen I. Winey serves as the Harold Pender Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Her research group employs experimental and computational tools to investigate advanced polymers for energy applications, particularly focusing on proton and ion conductivity for fuel cells and batteries within the Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM). Dr. Winey's research encompasses: Designing functional polymers to improve proton, hydroxide, and ion conductivity Studying polymer nanocomposites and nanoparticle dynamics in electrochemical devices Developing polymer-to-polymer upcycling methods to convert waste polyolefins to higher value polymers Revolutionizing understanding of ionomer morphologies beyond traditional spherical aggregate models Her recent publications reveal significant advances in sustainable energy materials, particularly fluorine-free alternatives to conventional polymer electrolytes. The research spans fundamental studies of ion transport mechanisms in precisely engineered polymers to practical applications in energy devices. A critical focus is understanding how nanoscale morphology affects macroscopic properties, with particular attention to structure-property relationships in ion-conducting polymers for fuel cells and batteries. Scientific recognition includes: 2025 Turner J. Alfrey Visiting Professor Harold Pender Professorship (endowed chair) NSF DMR Polymers grant awarded July 2025 Dr. Winey actively mentors a diverse research group including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduates. Her lab recently welcomed six summer undergraduates and has celebrated numerous student achievements including qualifying exam successes and award-winning presentations. Current major projects include the Port5 collaboration and the PolyUp project focused on polymer upcycling through dehydrogenation and functionalization strategies. The Winey Group operates within Penn's state-of-the-art Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST), maintaining active collaborations with institutions including the University of Konstanz in Germany, Florida State University, and Michigan State University. The group regularly hosts international visitors and participates in major conferences including the APS Global Physics Summit.
Scott Barnett is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University , specializing in ceramic thin films and electrochemical systems for energy applications. His research spans over 25 years in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and lithium-ion battery electrodes, with a focus on 3D printing, thin electrolyte deposition, and microstructural evolution under operational stress. Education: Ph.D. and B.S. in Metallurgy and Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Research Interests center on: Reversible solid oxide cells for energy storage 3D tomographic imaging of electrode microstructures Novel processing methods for ceramic materials Electrochemical stability and degradation mechanisms Recent Publications highlight advancements in: Pressurization effects on oxygen electrodes 3D printed SOFCs with enhanced performance Nanoparticle infiltration for fuel electrode stability Impedance modeling of lithium-ion batteries Scientific Awards include: Fulbright Scholar (2015) Cheng Tsang Man Endowed Professorship (2008) Office of Naval Research Young Investigator (1986) AVS Fellow (1998) Advising Legacy encompasses over 30 graduate students and postdocs, including Nicholas Geisendorfer (NASA Space Technology Fellow) and Matthew Lu (now at Tesla), with notable alumni placements at institutions like Bloom Energy and Microsoft . His lab employs advanced characterization techniques to predict long-term durability of electrochemical devices.
Malcolm McCulloch serves as Professor of Energy Systems and Group Leader of the Energy and Power Group within the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. He also holds the position of Co-Director for the Oxford Martin Programme on Integrating Renewable Energy and maintains affiliation with Christ Church college. His research spans four primary domains: domestic energy systems, electric vehicle technology, renewable generation, and energy solutions for developing regions. McCulloch's research focuses on practical energy transition challenges. His domestic energy work develops user-centric demand side management technologies and behavior change interventions, leading to the spin-out Intelligent Sustainable Energy (now Navetas Energy Management). In transportation, he pioneered the Morgan LifeCar hydrogen sports car project, resulting in high-efficiency motors and the Oxford Yasa Motors spin-out. His renewable generation research includes lightweight tidal turbines through Kepler Energy, while his Energy for Development work creates nano/micro grid solutions for distributed electrification. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on integrating variable renewables through innovative market mechanisms, grid flexibility solutions, and electric vehicle integration. His work consistently addresses the technical and economic barriers to decarbonization, with increasing focus on peer-to-peer energy trading, thermal storage, and climate-resilient cooling solutions since 2020. McCulloch previously served as Co-Director of the Institute for Carbon and Energy Reduction in Transport (2008-2013) under the Oxford Martin School. His leadership extends to creating the Integrated Transport Network for Oxford and developing practical applications through multiple successful spin-out companies that bridge academic research and commercial implementation.
Professor Jacob "Jack" Brouwer serves as a Professor and Chancellor's Fellow at the University of California, Irvine's Samueli School of Engineering. He holds primary appointment in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with joint appointments in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering. As Director of the Clean Energy Institute and former Associate Director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center (NFCRC), he leads critical research initiatives in sustainable energy technologies. Dr. Brouwer earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT in 1993, following B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from UCI. His research focuses on high-temperature electrochemical dynamics, hydrogen energy systems, and integrated energy conversion technologies. He has pioneered work in fuel cell systems analysis, novel solid oxide fuel cell materials, and life cycle assessments of clean energy technologies. His research integrates mass, energy, and momentum conservation principles with chemical and electrochemical reaction engineering. In August 2011, Professor Brouwer led the development of an innovative fuel cell generator system in collaboration with the Orange County Sanitation District, FuelCell Energy, Inc., and Air Products. This groundbreaking technology converts wastewater digester gases into hydrogen for zero-emission vehicle fuel, electricity, and heat production, representing a significant advancement in clean energy infrastructure. International Who's Who of Professionals, Honored Member (2006) National Academy of Engineering, Invited Lecturer (2004) UC Irvine Chancellor's Fellow (2022) U.C. Regents Fellowship Recipient (1987-1988) Summa Cum Laude, UCI (1987) As Director of the Clean Energy Institute, Professor Brouwer oversees extensive research operations including external relations, project management, and supervision of technical and administrative staff. His leadership extends to curriculum development and instruction in fuel cell science and technology. He works collaboratively with Professor Scott Samuelsen and colleagues across engineering disciplines, demonstrating exceptional expertise in fuel cells and advanced alternative energy conversion devices. His laboratory facilities include the 221 Engineering Lab Facility where experimental and simulation capabilities for advanced power technologies are developed.
Bhaskar Reddy Sudireddy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on advanced materials for energy technologies, including solid oxide fuel cells, electrocatalysts, and ceramic processing. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and industry innovation (SDG 9). His work emphasizes the development of high-performance electrodes, metal-supported solid oxide cells, and gas sensors. He leads projects on eco-friendly fabrication methods for energy storage systems and collaborates on piezoelectric materials sintered in humid air. His research group, Applied Ceramics and Processing, explores novel ceramic materials for applications in renewable energy and environmental monitoring. Advises five PhD students working on projects like high-temperature electrolysis cells and antiferroelectric materials. Supervises interdisciplinary research spanning electrochemistry, materials synthesis, and device fabrication. Located at DTU’s campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark, with extensive international collaborations.
Prof. Dr. Gonzalo Guillén Gosálbez is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences , ETH Zürich. He holds a PhD in Process Systems Engineering (UPC, 2005) and has held academic positions at Imperial College London (Reader), University of Manchester (Senior Lecturer), and Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Assistant/Associate Professor). His research focuses on Sustainable Chemical Processes , integrating life cycle assessment, optimization techniques, and planetary boundary analysis to evaluate and design low-carbon technologies. Current position: Full Professor, ETH Zürich (2019–present) Prior roles: Imperial College London (2016–2019), University of Manchester (2014–2016), URV Spain (2008–2014) Education: PhD (UPC, 2005), MEng/BEng (University of Murcia) His research explores CO2 valorization , green methanol synthesis , circular marine fuels , and planetary boundary compliance in energy and chemical systems. Recent work emphasizes machine learning for process modeling, single-atom catalysis , and decentralized ammonia production . Scientific contributions include 15+ peer-reviewed articles (2023–2025) in journals like Nature Chemical Engineering , ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering , and Energy & Environmental Science . Key themes: Optimization of hybrid fossil/renewable carbon systems Environmental impacts of energy transitions Catalyst design for sustainable chemistry Life cycle assessment of emerging technologies Awarded UPC Top Doctoral Student Award and Top National Student Award , he combines process systems engineering with sustainability metrics to address global challenges in chemical and energy systems.
Professor Mikko Haataja is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Holding a Ph.D. from McGill University (2003), he leads the Haataja Research Group focused on theoretical and computational approaches to materials science and physical biology. His office is located in D404C Engineering Quadrangle, and he serves as an advisor to numerous graduate students working at the intersection of physics, materials science, and biology. Professor Haataja's research spans multiple domains including theoretical and computational materials science, physics of materials, and physical biology. His work examines microstructure formation during solid-solid phase transformations and solidification, growth of electrodeposited thin films and quantum heterostructures, dynamics of driven interfaces with mobile impurities, recrystallization kinetics, cell signaling mechanisms, and the regulation & self-organization of 'lipid rafts' in plasma membranes. His group has pioneered concepts in 'dynamically programmable electromechanical 2D materials' and investigates phase separation phenomena in biological systems. His publication record demonstrates significant contributions across several key areas: intracellular phase transitions and biomolecular condensates, 2D transition metal dichalcogenide materials, lipid bilayer membrane physics, solid oxide fuel cells and batteries, and organic semiconductor thin films. His most recent work focuses on amyloid-like fibril formation, liquid-liquid phase separation in biological contexts, and defect engineering in 2D materials, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach that bridges physics, materials science, and biology. Professor Haataja actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with numerous co-authored publications indicating strong advising relationships. His research program encompasses multiple funded projects investigating materials for energy conversion and storage, intracellular organization mechanisms, and novel 2D material systems. The Haataja Group maintains strong collaborations with other Princeton researchers and external institutions, particularly in the fields of biophysics and advanced materials. The Haataja Group operates as a dynamic research laboratory employing computational modeling and theoretical approaches to address fundamental questions in materials science and biophysics. Their work spans from atomic-scale simulations to continuum modeling, with particular emphasis on phase-field crystal models, membrane biophysics, and 2D material systems. The group maintains specialized computational infrastructure for multiscale modeling and collaborates extensively with experimental groups to validate theoretical predictions.
Peter Teertstra is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo and Director of the Sedra Student Design Centre. He holds a PhD (2003), MASc (1992), and BSE (1990) from the University of Waterloo and Calvin College, respectively. His research focuses on thermal modeling for microelectronics/optoelectronics cooling, experimental heat transfer in micro/nano-scale systems, and predicting air cooling limits in electronics. He oversees the Sedra Student Design Centre, supporting teams in competitions through resource access and sponsorship. Teertstra teaches courses like GENE 199, ME 101, MTE 201, and PD 21, emphasizing engineering practice and thermodynamics. His publications (2006–2011) address thermal conductivity in fuel cells, convection modeling, and heat transfer in electronics enclosures. He is currently accepting graduate applications via an online process.
Cherie Kagan serves as the Stephen J. Angello Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, holding primary appointment in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering within the School of Engineering and Applied Science, with secondary appointments in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering. Her interdisciplinary research bridges chemistry, materials science, and electrical engineering to develop novel functional materials and devices that integrate optical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties. Professor Kagan's research group combines the flexibility of chemical synthesis and bottom-up assembly with top-down fabrication techniques to design innovative nanomaterials. They employ advanced characterization methods including spatially- and temporally-resolved optical spectroscopies, AC/DC electrical measurements, electrochemistry, and various microscopy techniques. Her recent work demonstrates particular strength in colloidal nanocrystals and quantum dots for applications in quantum information science, sensing technologies, and energy conversion devices. Scientific Recognition Induction to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2025) IEEE Fellow (2024) for contributions to colloidal nanocrystals and their integration in optical and electronic devices George H. Heilmeier Faculty Award for Excellence in Engineering (2024-25) Humboldt Research Award Fellowship (2024) MRS Fellow for distinguished research accomplishments in materials science National Academy of Inventors Fellow for innovation in nanomaterials Professor Kagan actively mentors PhD students across multiple departments, with recent graduates including Gary Chen, Chavez Lawrence, and Shobhita Kramadhati. Her research is supported by significant grants including the IoT4Ag project focused on precision agriculture sensing systems. She maintains active collaborations with Nobel Laureate Moungi Bawendi, her former PhD advisor at MIT, and works with institutions including the Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids through her Humboldt Fellowship. The Kagan Research Group operates comprehensive facilities for nanomaterials synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication, combining expertise across chemistry, physics, and engineering disciplines. Current team members include PhD students from Electrical and Systems Engineering and Chemistry departments, postdoctoral researchers like Anamika Singh and Akhila Mallavarapu, and undergraduate researchers supported through programs like CURF.
Anthony Rollett is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University , where he has been a faculty member since 1995. He serves as the Principal Investigator and Co-Director of the NASA-supported Institute for Model-Based Qualification & Certification of Additive Manufacturing (IMQCAM) and co-director of the Next Manufacturing Center . Prior to CMU, he held leadership roles at Los Alamos National Laboratory (1991-1995). Education: Ph.D., Materials Engineering, Drexel University (1987) MA, Metallurgy and Materials Science, Cambridge University (1977) Research Interests: Rollett’s work focuses on microstructural evolution and microstructure-property relationships in 3D using experiments and simulations. His expertise spans additive manufacturing , metal 3D printing , materials for energy systems , grain growth , recrystallization , and stereology , with techniques like high-energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) and dynamic x-ray radiography (DXR) . Scientific Contributions: He has over 320 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index >80 . His recent articles highlight machine learning for laser processing , fatigue analysis of additively manufactured alloys, and design optimization for heat exchangers in supercritical CO2 and solar thermal applications . Scientific Awards: Fellow of ASM International (1996) Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK) (2004) Fellow of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) (2011) Cyril Stanley Smith Award (TMS, 2014) Member of Honor, French Metallurgical Society (2015) US Steel Professor (2017) Francqui International Professor (2020-2021) International FAME Award (2023) Leadership & Impact: Rollett co-led the development of a NASA Space Technology Research Institute for additive manufacturing and established a new master’s program in additive manufacturing (2018). His research group is funded by industry , federal agencies , and Pennsylvania state grants . He also serves on the Basic Energy Science Advisory Committee and Defense Programs Advisory Committee for the Department of Energy.
Dr. Xinan Zhang is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at The University of Western Australia (UWA), specializing in Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering. He holds a BEng from Fudan University (2008) and a PhD from Nanyang Technological University (2014). Before joining UWA in 2019, he held roles as a Lecturer and Research Fellow in Singapore and Australia. His research focuses on power electronics, electrical machine drives, and renewable energy, with over 60 top-tier publications. He is the Portfolio Lead for Industry Engagement in UWA's School of Engineering and co-leads the Power and Clean Energy (PACE) research group. Education: BEng in Electrical Engineering, Fudan University (2004–2008) PhD in Electrical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (2010–2014) Research Interests: Dr. Zhang’s work spans power electronics, renewable energy systems, energy storage, and smart grid technologies. He emphasizes practical applications, such as battery management systems for vanadium redox flow batteries and adaptive control strategies for microgrids. His contributions address challenges in energy efficiency, grid stability, and sustainable power solutions. Articles & Trends: Recent publications focus on advanced control algorithms for inverters, battery modeling, and renewable energy integration. His work combines data-driven methods with traditional control theory to enhance system efficiency and reliability. Notable areas include DC microgrid control, vanadium redox flow battery optimization, and model predictive control for power electronics. Awards: Listed in Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists (2020–2022) Grants & Collaborations: He leads or co-leads projects funded by the Australian government and industry partners, including the GenX Betavoltaic Battery Pilot Manufacturing Process and Mine Electrification . These projects aim to advance clean energy technologies and industrial applications. Labs & Teams: As co-lead of the PACE group, he fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle global energy challenges, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals for affordable and clean energy (SDG 7).
Desiderio Kovar is a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin holding the BFGoodrich Professorship in Materials Engineering and the Distinguished Teaching Professor title within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Cockrell School of Engineering. He is affiliated with the Texas Materials Institute, the Center for Electromechanics, and is a core member of the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Design Innovation. Dr. Kovar currently serves as the Associate Chair for Academics for the Mechanical Engineering Department. Dr. Kovar's research focuses on the interface between materials science and engineering and additive manufacturing, with particular expertise in ceramic processing. His work encompasses Advanced Design and Manufacturing, Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, and Nano and Micro-scale Engineering. He teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in the Materials Engineering area, having developed the Materials Science and Engineering minor in 2018, the first minor in Engineering at UT Austin. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on ceramic additive manufacturing processes, particularly Selective Laser Flash Sintering and Micro-Cold Spray technologies. These works explore fundamental mechanisms of high-velocity particle impact, sintering kinetics, and process optimization for ceramic film and part production, reflecting his pioneering work in direct ceramic additive manufacturing without polymer binders. Dr. Kovar has received numerous prestigious awards for his teaching and research: Engineering Foundation Young Faculty Excellence Award (2000) Teaching Excellence Award from the Student Engineering Council (2000) Cockrell School of Engineering's Jack and Maxine Zarrow Family K-16 Teaching Innovation Award (2014) Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Award for Excellence in Engineering Teaching (2016) Mechanical Engineering Department's Teaching Award (2016) University of Texas' Outstanding Graduate Advisor (2012) Inducted into the University of Texas at Austin's Academy of Distinguished Teachers (2019) Dr. Kovar has supervised 47 undergraduate students, 21 MS theses, and 17 Ph.D. dissertations, and currently supervises 12 graduate students and one undergraduate student. His research has been generously funded by the National Science Foundation, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, the Army Research Laboratory, the Office of Naval Research, the US Department of Energy, and various corporate sponsors. In 2013, he founded the Cockrell School's Longhorn Maker Studio, which evolved into Texas Inventionworks. Dr. Kovar leads the Kovar Research Group which currently includes multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers working across three main research thrusts: Additive Manufacturing of Ceramics by Selective Laser Flash Sintering, Additive Manufacturing of Ceramics by Indirect Selective Laser Sintering, and Direct Writing of Patterned Films and Devices using the Micro-cold Spray Process.
Dr. Ng How Yong is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS). He specializes in membrane science and wastewater treatment technologies, with a focus on membrane fouling mitigation and bioelectrochemical systems. His research integrates membrane bioreactors, anaerobic/aerobic processes, and microbial sensors for sustainable water reclamation and industrial wastewater management. Education: BEng/MEng (Civil Engineering, NUS, 1997/2000), Ph.D. (Environmental Engineering, UC Berkeley, 2002) Research interests include membrane separation processes, microbial fuel cell-based sensors for heavy metal detection, and energy recovery from wastewater. He has pioneered advancements in anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactors and forward osmosis technologies. Key contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on optimizing biological treatment systems, understanding fouling mechanisms, and developing novel desalination processes. His work bridges fundamental science and engineering applications, addressing global water scarcity challenges. Awards: IWA Fellow (2012), NUS Young Researcher Award (2009), Singapore Youth Award (2008) Dr. Ng has led multiple international conferences, including the 8th IWA Specialist Conference on Membrane Technology (2017) and the 3rd Asia-Pacific Young Water Professional Conference (2010). He serves on editorial boards of Water Research , Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination , and the International Water Association committees.
