Major: Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Yan Yao, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Sadia is working on an innovative project titled "Elaboration of Organic Cathodes for Mg Batteries" in Dr. Yan Yao's group. This research project aims to tackle the supply chain issue related to Li-ion batteries. More specifically, it aims to replace transition metals and lithium with more abundant organic molecules and magnesium metals without compromising the specific energy. Her work weaves together organic chemistry skills and engineering prowess as well as enhanced problem-solving capabilities. This multidisciplinary approach will equip Sadia with a distinctive background for her pursuit of medical school as she realizes her end goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

Major: Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Mingjian Wen, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Robert will be using modeling programs and machine learning to try to determine trends in the Aluminum atom distributions in zeolite crystal structures and the effects of stabilizing cations. Zeolites are used currently in water filtration and as a catalyst in the petrochemical industry. From this research, he hopes to better understand the rules that govern zeolite structures.

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Karolos Grigoriadis, Mechanical Engineering

Rami's project focuses on detecting surface defects in oil transmission pipelines using an AC current system. The goal is to analyze the generated magnetic field, see how defects alter the field, and test its feasibility. He is excited to learn more about the field of research and has an amazing team of faculty and students to help him along the way. Rami hopes to pursue graduate school after completing his bachelors.

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Gangbing Song, Mechanical Engineering

Tico is channeling past work experience in fiberoptic and off-grid microwave telecommunication infrastructure and a passion for environmentally-sustainable technology, with the guidance of Dr. Gangbing Song in the Department of Mechanical Engineering to advance lithium-ion battery cell state-of-charge and state-of-health monitoring using ultrasonic methods. Developing non-destructive, stress-wave-based real-time analysis of Li-ion cells can greatly reduce electronic waste, increase battery safety and lifespan, and enable higher energy density rechargeable batteries. Tico's research in Dr. Song's Smart Materials and Structures Lab is utilizing inexpensive piezoceramic transducers combined with machine learning tools to enable effective and affordable monitoring of cylindrical Li-ion batteries.

Major: Architecture
Mentor: Ross Wienert, Architecture and Design

Tessnim plans to explore various methods of sustainable work seen in the past and present while also considering the impact they have on all different aspects of the world. As time and technology have progressed, sustainability has become a critical issue and topic of discussion in today's world. Sustainability in architecture refers to designing buildings that minimize negative effects on the environment and enhance the well-being and comfort of those who occupy them, which results in improved building performance. The main goals of sustainability include reducing the use of non-renewable resources, decreasing waste production, and creating healthy and productive living and working spaces. Sustainability has become a factor when considering architecture, growth, progression, and environmental responsibility.

Major: Chemistry
Mentor: Thomas Teets, Chemistry

Giao is designing and synthesizing heteroleptic copper (I) complexes surrounded by an electron-rich β-diketiminate ligand and an “acceptor” ligand. Additionally, she studies the modifications on the core arrangement, characterizing and examining them as photosensitizers for photocatalytic reactions.

Major: Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Michael Harold, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Glynn's research focuses on catalysis in two key areas: oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene and the electrification of steam-methane reforming to produce cleaner hydrogen. The objective is to discover and optimize methods that can be implemented in large-scale industrial environments to help reduce carbon emissions. This opportunity will allow Glynn to gain hands-on research and development experience and offers insight that he will use to help shape his career path as a future chemical engineer.

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Haleh Ardebili, Mechanical Engineering

Parsa is conducting research on the effect of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) on ion conductivity and mechanical strength of a polyethylene oxide (PEO) based polymer electrolyte. FEC is an electrolyte additive that is used to stabilize the solid electrolyte interphase. Stabilizing it can increase the lifespan, power, and safety of the battery. However, more investigation must be done on its effect on ion conductivity. Parsa’s research will investigate the ion conductivity of the battery in various temperatures, ion conductivity while the polymer is being stretched, and mechanical strength in various temperatures.

Major: Electrical Engineering
Mentor: Harish Krishnamoorthy, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Growing up in Houston and around NASA's Space Center, Damian has been intrigued by the engineering behind space travel and colonization. For this reason, he is working on exploring optimal locations of Vertical Solar Array Technology and the system-level design architectures for the effect utilization of solar energy on the surface of the moon. This needs to be done with the aim to provide sustainable energy for lunar exploration and colonization like NASA is doing in their Artemis Project now.

Major: Economics
Mentor: Piruz Saboury, Economics

Akeh is passionate about finding paths to a cleaner, lower-carbon economy that helps fight the climate crisis. This summer she will be conducting research to estimate the impact of electrical vehicles on energy consumption patterns in Texas. Akeh is thrilled to be a part of the Energy Scholars Program this year and cannot wait to contribute to meaningful research in this department.