Other Faculty Members
Patrick J. Walsh
Energy Research Interests: Energy related research in the Walsh group involves developing catalytic processes, and where necessary enantioselective versions, to make organic molecules with greater efficiency and under conditions that are more eco-friendly. Lately, much success has been achieved toward the synthesis of organic building blocks without use of precious metal catalysts. Targets of interest in the group include alkynes, heterocycles and heteroaromatic systems (benzofurans, indoles, pyrroles, etc.). Our team has a strong track record of fruitful collaborations with groups that need organic precursors, organic glasses and catalyst development.
Nathaniel J. Wei
Energy Research Interests: Our group investigates the fluid mechanics of renewable-energy systems and their interactions with the atmosphere. We seek to identify and characterize flow mechanisms that can be leveraged to enhance the performance of wind turbines and wind farms. We are also developing methods for large-scale field measurements of atmospheric flows in renewable-energy and environmental contexts.
Jennifer Wilcox
Energy Research Interests: Wilcox’s research takes aim at the nexus of energy and the environment, developing both mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize negative climate impacts associated with society’s dependence on fossil fuels. This work carefully examines the role of carbon management and opportunities therein that could assist in achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.
Karen I. Winey
Energy Research Interests: The Winey research group is developing polymer membranes for electrochemical devices, particularly fuel cells and batteries, by exploring the underlying physics of charge transport in polymers. In addition, Winey leads a multidisciplinary team to convert polyolefin waste into a feedstock for specialty polyolefins.
Liang Wu
Energy Research Interests: We develop and utilize time-resolved and nonlinear optical techniques in both the terahertz and optical frequency regimes to study and control properties of materials broadly known as ”quantum materials’’, which are topological and correlated materials. We are particular interested in topological materials and quantum magnets. Our ultimate goals are to understand/discover new physics of these materials and to control them by light or strain or electrical gating to apply them to the next generation of quantum computers, solar cells and memory devices.
Shu Yang
Arjun Yodh
Energy Research Interests: Dr. Yodh’s work includes early contributions to the nonlinear optics of solid-solid interfaces, and fundamental research in soft matter including studies of melting and frustration in colloids and liquid crystals, control and measurement of entropic forces, stabilization of carbon nanotubes in solution, and discoveries about the role of particle anisotropy in phenomena ranging from Brownian motion to coffee rings.
Andrew Zahrt
Energy Research Interests: The Zahrt Lab focuses on leveraging machine learning and automation to expedite the development of innovative chemical technologies. Our specific interests include creating closed-loop optimization systems, utilizing machine learning to enhance high-throughput characterization, and combining automation with machine learning to create new green technologies.
Bo Zhen
